#choices casey valentine

[coffeeheartaddict2]

Forbidden Fruits

Book: Open Heart

Characters: Ethan Ramsey, F!MC Casey Valentine

Word count: 549

Category: smut

Rating: Mature

Warnings: alcohol consumption, sexual content (masturbation)

Summary: It is the end of the first day for the new batch of interns and one in particular catches the eye of Ethan.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixelberry.

Authors note: Welcome to smuttember. Thank you @rafasgirl23415-2 for the prompt. Prompt appears in bold

🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃

It had been an interesting day as much as it was infuriating. A new intern class always made him feel this way but there was one intern that had piqued his interest…somehow.

He met her that morning, in an emergent situation and chewed her out. He knew he was being harsh but the sensation in his arm when he helped her with the incision had thrown him. “It was just a stressful situation” he had told himself but he had been in more stressful situations and had no such reaction. She did later redeem herself by figuring out what was wrong with her first patient.

He went to Donahue’s, in need of a drink. As soon as he entered he knew he should have gone home. The bar was full with all the new interns blowing off some steam after a long shift. He knew that the quiet drink he craved was not going to happen but his regular spot was free and Reggie was getting his normal drink when he saw him. He took a sip and did what he did best and observe. Then he spotted her. Dr Valentine. She had been in scrubs all day and he did find her attractive but he was not prepared for how she looked in that sinful outfit.

“She is an intern!” He mentally told himself. “Forbidden, by your own principles” the inner monologue continued.

While he was putting the thoughts of impropriety out of his mind, she came out.

They shared a scotch with each other, he was duly impressed that she knew why he liked scotch neat. She then asked if there was someone waiting for him at home. The internal monologue was playing so he was able to state that there was no one waiting for him, despite other parts of him wishing that he was taking her home.

After enjoying a second drink, Reggie’s special, he took his leave and went back to his empty apartment. Even though the weather was mild his apartment felt cold. He craved the company of Dr Valentine. His thoughts went to the outfit she wore. How it showed off her curves, accentuated her breasts. The thoughts of impropriety again forced their way forward. He decided it was a losing battle.

He went into his shower. He was already painfully hard. He started stroking himself, imagining that Dr Valentine was in the shower with him, her naked body quivering at his touch, he imagined her going down on him, taking him fully in her mouth.l, swirling her tongue along his length as he entered her mouth again and again. He then imagined taking her from behind, the water cascading over both of them, her moans as he entered her and thrust deep. He could feel himself get close and he pumped harder, wishing it was Dr Valentine he was pounding into. At last he succumbed to his release. It felt empty, given how vivid the fantasy was. He told him self again that she was forbidden as he got ready to go into a restful sleep.

He awoke the next morning, a small amount of guilt at the night before. He put it out of his mind. “She is an intern” he told himself as he got ready for work.

——-

Authors note: Short but not too sweet. In my world the guilt at masturbaitng to the thoughts get worse and worse as book one goes on. He did not know her that well professionally or personally at this point so the guilt was easier to be assaunged. Thanks for the ask again.

Tagging: @cariantha @rafasgirl23415-2 @jerzwriter @jamespotterthefirst @genevievemd @liaromancewriter @potionsprefect @bex-la-get @crazy-loca-blog @a-crepusculo @youlookappropriate @snoopdogcone @trappedinfanfiction @alj4890 @schnitzelbutterfingers @binny1985 @tessa-liam @openheartfanfics @choicesficwriterscreations

[jerzwriter]

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, and I felt the need for more art for my precious Casey and Jessica. I'd like to thank the lovely @callmebeem for working with me on such short notice and creating this beautiful art! It's exactly what I wanted, and I love it to bits! ❤️Here's a little fic about their day. 😊

Any Other Day

Book: Open Heart (Prequel - Casey's Med School Years) Pairing: Casey MacTavish (F!MC) x Jessica Philips (F!OC) Words: 1440 Rating: Teen Summary: Jessica's not a fan of Valentine's Day, and she's made that pretty clear, but now that the day's up on them, Casey realizes there's more to it than meets the eye. A/N1: Participating in @choicesfebruary2024, Eros

Valentine’s Day was proving to be a challenge.

Just weeks before, Jessica declared her feelings about the holiday after a particularly long night of studying, and they weren’t pretty.   It was ridiculous, a Hallmark holiday steeped in capitalism, and she wanted no part of it. The intensity and randomness of her girlfriend’s declaration left Casey bewildered. It was so far out of left field she thought delirium may have finally gotten its grips on Jess; after all, sleep deprivation practically had her there, too. But she was tired and eager to move on, so she nodded in agreement, and Jessica seemed pleased to find them on the same page, which would have been great... except they weren’t.

Casey loved Valentine’s Day; she loved every single thing about it. A holiday where she could lavish love and attention on her girlfriend? Where was the problem with that? She agreed such things shouldn’t be limited to a designated day, and she ensured Jess knew how much she meant on any day ending in -y. But now that Cupid’s holiday was here, Casey was conflicted. How could she be expected not to acknowledge it? It seemed cruel, but... she had promised... didn’t she? She heaved out a sigh; perhaps their exceptionally hectic schedules would be her saving grace. She didn’t have to worry about celebrating... or not... if they didn’t see each other.

Jessica was assisting first-year students in distributing breakers in the lab. She was TA for an extra class today, as her professor wanted to take the day off to spend with their wife, and Jess felt a twinge of guilt when she agreed to cover. But she and Casey weren’t celebrating; they agreed to that...didn’t they? Casey said she was on board, but Jess would have to be blind to see how blue her normally effervescent girlfriend was this morning, and she couldn’t fight the feeling that she was the reason why.

The truth was, Jessica didn’t hate Valentine’s Day. She didn’t hate it at all. She hated the memories it dredged up and the feelings of insecurity that followed. She hated the ambiguity of the present and her apprehension about the future. The last time she celebrated was three years before, spending the night gazing at the stars in Ammarah’s arms. She never knew that kind of joy, and when Ammarah promised forever, Jess felt her world falling into place. A blissful dream previously unimagined coming to fruition, only to be crushed in quick succession. When Jess’s competition became the hallowed halls of Oxford, those promises were quickly forgotten, leaving Jess heartbroken when she realized she had never stood a chance.

She promised then and there that she wouldn’t fall in love again, at least no time soon. Ammarah prioritized her career, and now Jess would do the same. Love and other silly notions could wait. And that worked for a while, until that fateful day when an adorable giggle pulled her head from her textbook, and she looked up to find a beguiling smile that made her heart skip a beat. They’d only be friends, Jess insisted. That’s all they could be. But then their conversations lasted into the early morning hours, and the more they learned about each other, the more they needed to know. It's hard to be just friends when they're the first thing you think of each morning and the last thing you think of each night. So she had another idea...we’ll just be friends... with benefits, perhaps, but nothing more. Residency was on the horizon, and both women had been hurt before. They couldn’t let it happen again.  

But in the end, they stepped onto the rollercoaster hand-in-hand and fastened their seatbelts with all their might. Within weeks, “I love yous” were exchanged, both knowing they had an expiration date set from the start. It seemed easy when that date was on the distant horizon, but the closer it came, the more that old familiar pain began to seep in. Valentine’s Day: candles, kisses, and promises made again... Jess couldn’t allow it. But when the bell rang, it only took a student hand a rose to another to make her heart ache for Casey.  

She pulled out her phone and smiled at the sound of her voice. Lunch. She offered. She’d like to take her to lunch. Nothing fancy, nothing special, just grabbing a meal together like any other day, but she needed to see her. No matter how much Jessica studied the human heart, she couldn't see how hard hers was working to protect itself. But Casey was on her way, and that was all that mattered.

Casey hadn’t expected to hear from Jess, and it was easy to see her delight as she rushed down the hall. Nothing made her smile more than Jessica’s melodious laugh, and the closer it became, the more her smile grew.  She couldn’t wait to see the radiant smile that accompanied it, and as she stepped into Jess’s classroom, her wish was granted for just a second before Jess’s face fell.

“What... what the hell is that?” she asked, motioning furiously in Casey’s direction.

Casey looked down, perplexed, rubbing her hands along her torso to see if she had spilled something, but nothing seemed amiss.

“What’s what?”

“Your sweater! Why are you wearing that sweater?”

Casey appeared offended as she caressed her favorite cashmere sweater.

“But... I love this sweater! You love this sweater!”

“I do,” Jess sighed. “But not today!"

“It’s the same sweater as yesterday... the same sweater it will be tomorrow...”

“Yes! But yesterday or tomorrow won’t be Valentine’s Day.”

Casey followed the last student to exit the classroom and shut the door behind her, turning on her heel with crossed arms as soon as they were alone.

“All right,” she demanded. “This level of crazy is usually reserved for me, not you... so what gives?”

“We said no Valentine’s Day, Casey!”

“And besides me wearing a pink sweater, inadvertently, I might add... I haven’t so much as said Happy Valentine’s Day to you.  The holiday isn't causing a problem for us, Jess... but your hang-ups about it might be.  What’s going on?” 

Jess took a deep breath and leaned back against her desk, attempting to put her thoughts into words. “To me... in the past... Valentine’s Day was about promises.  Promises I believed in, even if the person making them took them with a grain of salt.”

“Ammarah?” Casey asked as Jess nodded softly.

“It’s scary, Case. It’s scary to know how fleeting love can be, and it's frightening... it’s frightening to think about what the future holds for us. You’ll still be here next year, but I don’t even know where I’ll be... and that... that just....”

Her words trailed as her head tilted forward. She was proud of herself for being strong enough to stop the tears pooling in her eyes from falling, but she could do nothing to stop herself from trembling.

“Jess,” Casey placed a loving hand on her shoulder. “I know you’ve been hurt, and I have, too... but we can’t live in the past, nor can we live in the future.”

“But, Casey...”

“But nothing! Don’t you see what you’re doing? The past was painful, and the future’s unknown, but you know what we have?” She lifted Jess’s chin until she was looking into her big, brown eyes. “We have today. Today is real, and the only thing that can steal it from us... is us... if we let it.  Come on, Jess,” she smiled, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. “Let’s not waste today."

Jess's head tilted, a crooked smile on her lips. She knew Casey was right, but her stubbornness couldn't be destroyed that easily.

“I still hate the commercialism,” Jess insisted, to Casey’s amusement.

“So do I! Come on, I can spoil you a little bit without turning into a corporate overlord, you know!”

Jess peeked up from under her lashes. “You promise?”

“I promise. Now, can we enjoy the day, please?”

Jess hopped to her feet, a bright grin on her face as she fell into Casey’s arms and a warm, lingering embrace. “Well, I invited you to lunch first... so technically, I started the celebration.”

“Oh, no,” Casey chuckled. “You are not getting the credit here! I think your exact words were, ‘It’s lunch, just lunch, don’t get excited or anything!”  

“Yeah, those were the words,” Jess laughed. “But if I’m being honest... I just really needed to see you. I needed to see you so badly.”

“Well, I’m here.  Can we call it a Valentine’s Day date, now?”

“Sure,” Jess blushed. “But I have to stop upstairs to see the Dean before we go.”

“That works for me,” Casey replied. “I have to put my things in my locker anyway.  Can we meet in front of the building in fifteen minutes?”

Jess reached over and stuck her fingers through the belt loops in Casey’s jeans, pulling her close. “And Casey?” she whispered, her breath tickling Casey’s ear.  “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

~~~~~

A/N: In my mind, Casey tossed her things in her locker and hightailed it to the corner gift shop. Poor Jess was wondering if Casey had a change of heart as she waited outside when two arms grabbed her from behind. Casey handed Jess the bouquet and yelled Happy Valentine's Day. After a cozy lunch at their favorite local diner, they decided they could skip their afternoon classes and headed back to Jess's place for a much more productive afternoon. 😏

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately.

[moominofthevalley]

@choicesfandomappreciation | summer secret pal exchange

Hello !! ^^ I am so delighted to say that i created two moodboards for @coffeeheartadict2 ocs! The first one is for the amazing Aaliyah Rose, and then the second one is for Casey Valentine :) I think your writing is just so great, I loved getting to know your characters through your fics...I hope you like this!

[bebepac]

The Galentine’s Day Queens

First off thank you @peonierose for sending me a Valentine’s Day pic, that got this idea rolling. I was planning to write on one of the gaggle of series I should be trying to finish but up popped this little one shot.  This really wouldn’t have happened if you haven’t sent that ask to me, so thank you. :)

It crosses TRR x Open Heart  as it features Casey Valentine as a friend to Riley Brooks the TRR Character. 

I used the quote from @choicesflashfics prompt 2: I thought that if I acted like it didn’t matter, than it wouldn’t.”  which will appear in bold.  

This also can be a submission for @choices-february2023​ prompt for Day 13 Galentine’s Day. 

The Book:  TRR x Open Heart Pairings:  None:  All characters are single Word Count: 997 Warnings and Ratings: None:  minus the curse words in the mood board.  LOL Summary:  Daniel takes Riley and their friends on a special night on the town as Galentines.

Original Post: 02/13/23 at 3:01PM EST.

“I thought that if I acted like it didn’t matter that it wouldn’t.” 

“Of course it matters, Von left.  He left the both of us high and dry.  Well not exactly dry, we’ve been covering his portion of the rent for months.”

“I didn’t think he’d really leave, or was serious, I mean just going to California without a plan? He has no money, no job, no place to live?”

“I know.”  

“I need more stability in my life than what he attempted to provide, if you can even call it that.  Things weren’t great between us for quite some time.”  

“It’s true.”  

Riley wiped away the tears from her eyes and took a long sip from her drink.

“I don’t even know why I’m crying right now.”  

“It’s because it’s the end of your romantic relationship with him.  But it’s also the beginning of whatever else is out there for you, and something great is out there for you. Hell for all of us.  But we won’t find it sitting inside this apartment, eating chips and queso all night.”    

Riley leaned in and rested her weight on Daniel; he always had a way of making her feel better.  

“Get dressed.”  

“What? I thought we were staying in tonight?”  

“Um what?  Not on Galentine’s Day, we’ve got reservations.  Put on something nice, and I’m talking top shelf nice. The girls are meeting us there.”  

“Who all is going?”  

“You’ll see when we get there.”  

Riley pulled out the outfit in the back of her closet that she had found at a small shop that  because of a small tear in the fabric, they were selling at a steal.  She had decided to fix it, and it was clearly a smart idea.  A dress that would have cost thousands, she got for a hundred, and now she was wearing it looking like a million dollars.

It’s a pity, she didn’t meet Him that night.  But we all know a woman that “looks like a million dollars” wasn't the thing that would get His attention.  He was looking for more.

“Is it too much Daniel?”

Daniel himself was wearing a very nice fitted suit.  

“Wow, you look handsome!”

“And you’re beautiful, and we look perfect for where we’re going tonight. Our rideshare will be here in ten.”  

On the ride over he watched Riley.  For the first time in a few weeks after Von had left, she looked excited.

“Just so you know, I’ve been saving for this night for a while.  I’ve put in the reservations almost six months ago.  You’re not paying a dime.  We won’t let you.  It’s something special for you, because of the person you are and you’re always looking out and caring for everyone else, but yourself.”

“Daniel….”

“It’s true.”  

“This already sounds like too much.”

“Think of it as a belated birthday, friendsgiving, and just because, all combined into one.”

They pulled to a stop, stepping out of the vehicle she gasped, slapping Daniel on the arm, causing him to feign pain but he laughed out loud.

“We’re eating at the Manhatta!!!”  

“Hell yes we are!”  Mia screamed, giving Riley a hug.

“You know we’re going to totally have to act like we’re part of the upper crust for the evening right?”  Casey chuckled.

“Whilst getting out of our rideshare that the hubcaps don’t even match.”  

“Hey now, at least we all had ‘drivers’ for the evening.”  Riley joined in the joking around.

“Exactly, now ladies shall we go?”  

Linked arm in arm they walked inside.  

Daniel, as if he wasn’t already  a gentleman, started by pulling out all the chairs for the ladies in his company.  

Once menus and first wine samples were passed out, Casey glanced around the restaurant. It  was quite the scene, couples as far as the eye could see, and then them.  

“I feel like people keep looking at us.”

“Do you blame them? Whereas most of these men here only have one beautiful woman to gaze upon, I have three lovely ladies here for my optical delight.  Girl, they’re just jealous, and trying to figure us out what’s going on over here. But you know, as the saying goes, there are three places you can stay for free?”

“In your own lane!”  Riley giggled.

“Over there,” Mia chimed in.

“And out of my business.” Casey finished up.

“Okayyyyy!!!!”  

Dinner was the most amazing appetizers and dishes they had ever tasted, and everyone cleaned their plates.  

Before dessert was delivered, four boxes were given to  Daniel to which he smiled and glanced around the table at his friends.

He gently clinked his glass, to silence the others at the table.

“We had all decided months ago that we would come out tonight and celebrate our wonderful friend  Riley, who is always there for us,  and is always willing to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on if we need it, or a swift kick in the pants  and give us tough love.  We all know you’ve been a little down lately, and want you to know we’re here for you and appreciate you, for all that you are and who you are as a person.  You can take this however you want to take this because in every sense of the words, it is true.  You will find what you’re looking for, but more importantly, it will be more than just that, it will be exactly what you need.”  

Riley’s eyes glistened with tears.

“Thank you, Daniel.”  

“We all will. It’s what we deserve.” Riley pulled her friends into a group hug. 

“But until then….”  Daniel placed a box in front of each person at the table.  “We’re The Galentine’s Day Queens. Put on your crowns.”

Each person put on their crown.

“I don’t know about you ladies, but I feel like dancing the night away.”  

That’s exactly what The Galentine’s Day Queens did.

Daniel was also right about his declaration as six months later, Riley ran into Liam Rys, ACTUALLY, on the streets of New York City, and her life was forever changed.

[hopelessromantic1352]

(Un)Professionalism

This one shot shows Casey is learning to deal with the history between Ethan and Harper. But, it’s not as easy as she thought it would be.

This came to my mind when I was replaying OH 3. I couldn’t believe how Harper and Ethan were acting around MC. I also couldn’t believe how they don’t really expand on that storyline unless you do the extra scene with Harper at the MRI machine. Then again, book three was just a little crazy overall 😂

Warnings: slight sexual actions

Ethan Tags: @perriewinklenerdie @shelivesinthewoods @silversparrow1112 @miss-indecisive-says @alj4890 @naffeesaa @hija-del-universo @usuallyamazinglyaverage @heyabby102 @lilyoffandoms @cordoniaqueensworld @carreraleigh @ethanplaysfavorites @amillionmoonsred @drcaseyvalentineramsey @claudevonstrukesblog @princess-geek @lapisreviewsstuff @aworldoffandoms @paisleylovergirl @llamasgrl @blainehellyes @flyawayboo @timmagicktoad-blog @sparklinglilac @whenyourheartskipsabeat @desmaranj @triple-shadow0 @tessa-liam please let me know if you’d like to be added or removed from the tags!

“Remember when Dr. Collins bet you wouldn’t chug that bottle of champagne?”

Casey watches as Ethan cringes at the thought, but Harper laughs and rests a hand on his forearm. Feeling her gut churn in jealousy, the redhead looks back to the file of their patient, wishing Baz was still a part of the team. At least he would acknowledge that she still exists.

“He swore I had the liquid escaping through my ears, which is anatomically impossible.”

Both of them laugh, Ethan looking as carefree as he has been for awhile.

“Look, if you two want to walk down memory lane, why don’t I go do my job.” She slaps the file down onto the table and forcefully pushes her chair back.

Without another look at either doctor, Casey strides out the doors. Before they shut behind her, she can just barely hear Ethan excuse himself and his footsteps hurrying behind her.

“Casey!” The loud whisper isn’t enough for her to even look back, but she picks up her pace, knowing his long strides will catch her easily. “Rookie, please.”

Confused anger clouds his raised tone, causing her to stop. Even though she doesn’t turn back around, she can hear his steps slow down and he takes in a deep breath before he steps in front of her. Her brown eyes focus on the tile spreading down the hall, her body tense with shame and her gut still filled with jealousy.

“Casey, what on earth is the matter?” Ethan’s large hand gently slips under her chin and lifts her face up.

He notices the guilt swimming in her eyes and everything clicks into place. “I apologize. Harper and I were being quite unprofessional.”

Silently, she closes her eyes and nuzzles into his hand before she shakes her head. “That’s not what bothered me.”

Not saying anything, he leads them into an empty patient room, shutting the door behind them. He watches her closely, analyzing her movements before she leans against the bed in the middle of the room. She crosses her arms and doesn’t look at him as her finger taps against her bicep.

“It’s your whole relationship, Ethan. We don’t have that and honestly, I don’t know if we ever will.”

Still utterly confused, he walks to her and lifts her chin again, trying to read her thoughts. “I don’t understand. What you and I have is nothing like the friendship I have with Harper. No offense intended, but I rather like it that way.”

Her eyes bore into his, the ice blue eyes hold their normal warmth she’s become accustomed to. His gentle touch is comforting her, not someone else. Right?

“But you two have history and that spark is still there, I can tell and I think Harper still feels it.” Rambling, she pushes off the bed and steps away from him, needing space to think and calm her racing thoughts.

Understanding dawns on him once again, this time he realizes exactly what is bothering her. He felt the same way during her intern year, seeing her with all those young, bright eyed men surrounding her at various times. The surgeon. The paramedic. Hell, he had even seen other attendings eye her. It was torture on him due to his own selfishness of not allowing them to become an item publicly.

“Casey, you and I are figuring this relationship out, but I can assure you, there is nothing between Harper and I.”

She settles in front of the window overlooking the parking lot, her eyes bouncing from the people to the cars peppering the asphalt.

When she doesn’t say anything, he continues, “She and I may have history, but that is all it is. I think of her as a colleague and a friend, nothing more. I know for a fact she feels the same way but I understand what you are feeling.” Slowly, he approaches her from behind, gently laying his hands on her shoulders. “If you remember correctly, I had a bout of jealousy that earned you a punishment in one of the vacant halls.”

Below his hands, the tense muscles loosen as she laughs quietly. “How did you take care of yourself after that anyway?”

Chuckling, Ethan turns her around and picks her up, allowing her legs to wrap around his waist. Stepping towards the wall, he presses her back against it, pinning her between it and his firm body. She can feel his hardness begin to grow as he presses his groin against hers. Both of them experience deja vu.

“You didn’t give me an opportunity to, so I suppose I had to imagine you as I took care of it myself.” His lips travel across her neck, his stubble tickling her soft skin deliciously. “Perhaps this time, we can take care of each other.”

Casey playfully grinds against the hard member straining against his slacks, tossing her head back against the wall at the sensation pooling in her core.

“Mmm, I think I’d like that.”

He breaks away from her neck and cups her cheek, brushing his thumb across her cheekbone. “Know that I have not been with anyone besides you since Miami.”

“Then why did it take so long for you to give in?” Her big eyes burn with curiosity.

Sighing, he looks down, “Because I could not bring myself to risk your career. At least that is what I told myself. Now, I know I told you and myself that so I could realize that taking a risk on you was not a risk at all.”

Ethan raises his eyes to meet hers again, cupping her face with both hands. “You are it for me, Casey.”

Their lips meet in an electric kiss, her hands delve into his thick curls and her legs tighten around his fit waist. A moan escapes her as his lips reach any skin he can find and as his hands reach under her scrubs, caressing her breasts through the sports bra.

“Ethan, mmm, I love you.”

He pulls away to meet her eyes and gives her a blinding smile, his hands holding her face. “I love you too, Dr. Valentine.”

This kiss they share is soft and gentle, exuding the love coursing between them. But the gasp at the door breaks the trance. The couple breaks apart, Ethan sets Casey down gently as she blushes furiously.

“Do you need something, Harper?” Ethan’s voice is steady, but his lips tremble with suppressed laughter at the shock on their colleague’s face.

Casey steps behind Ethan, hiding the silent laughter at her own embarrassment and Harper’s.

“I—uh—“ Without a coherent sentence, she turns and slams the door behind her, leaving the couple to dissolve into a mess of laughter.

As Ethan turns, he gathers the giggling redhead into his arms, holding in a tight hug. He allows himself to relax, resting his chin atop her head. “I suppose I should do some damage control.”

“Probably. At least this time you don’t have to do your own damage control.”

He releases her at that and smirks, “I would have suggested you take care of that.”

Casey leans forwards and kisses him softly, “Maybe we can arrange for some of that damage control tonight.”

[myglassesareinkansas]

the meaning of aloha

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x F!MC

Rating: Gen

Warnings: Angst, Discussion of Death

Summary:

aloha (n.): love, affection, peace, compassion, and mercy; a force that holds together existence

Bryce receives the worst news of his life, and to make it worse, he's in love with Casey. And she's about to die.

Tagging: @openheartfanfics, @choicesficwriterscreations, and @mydemonsdrivealimo

AO3 Link: Here

His entire body trembles, but he holds his head high as he pushes his way past the other doctors. Most of them whisper amongst themselves in the hallways, and here and there, he catches words like anthrax and ricin. There’s a pair of attendings wondering how Casey isn’t dead right now. Others who say they hope Travis suffers.

The nurses huddle around their station, and Bryce stumbles over his feet. Marlene rubs Sienna’s back as she lowers herself into one of the chairs.

“I had a date with Danny tomorrow,” she says, looking up with puffy eyes. “What’s—Marlene, what’s going to happen to him? Sarah? Does anyone know what’s happening to Casey?”

He dips his head, trying to remain nondescript as he shoves open the stairwell door.

“Bryce?”

He ignores her.

“Bryce!” Esme reaches out and grabs his arm. “What’s going on?”

He swallows and shakes her hand off of him. “I just need to go, Esme. Ask Ethan. Or anyone else, really, I just—I need to go.”

She frowns and locks her hand around his wrist. “Like hell. Are you seriously going to leave your girlfriend behind now? When she needs you most?” With her free hand, she points furiously back upstairs. “I know she’s in there! I know my resident is fighting for her life! And like a coward, you’re running away.”

He shakes his head. “I’m not running away.”

“Sure looks like it to me.”

Bryce squeezes his eyes shut, begging his tears to stay away. “Jackie and Elijah are off today. Unless Casey or Sienna texted them, they have no way of knowing what just happened in there. They need to know—” They need to know that Casey might be dead tonight. He shakes his head again and pries Esme’s hand off his wrist. “And I need to make sure my little sister will be safe tonight.”

Esme blinks. “Do you think—”

“Esme, I’ve gotta go.” He doesn’t wait for her response, just sprints down the stairs. His lungs burn, from tears or from running, he doesn’t know.

People call his name. Surgical residents congratulate him on Kyra’s surgery. The one he kicked out of the OR glares at him. Ines tries to talk to him. He can’t hear them. His ears ring, and he grabs his keys and sprints outside.

Once he’s in his car, he breathes deeply. Or at least, he tries to. His breaths come fast and shallow, his hands shake, and he rests his head on his steering wheel.

Fuck.

His body starts to shake again, and as he’s reaching for the blanket in his car — the one that Casey told him to keep on hand, with how cold he gets in Boston weather and how traffic is — the shaking stops, and he bursts into tears.

“Fuck!” He buries his face in his hands, a sob tearing from the back of his throat. “Fucking —” he slams his left hand on the top of the steering wheel “— dammit!” His shoulders curl inwards, and sobs rack his body.

She can’t die. She can’t die. I can’t lose her. I can’t—

The sobs come louder now, and he hasn’t cried like this since he was eighteen years old, and he was flying all the way to Ohio State by himself, with no money, no family, and no friends. He hasn’t cried like this since his favorite teacher, the one who believed in him, the one who believed he could be a great surgeon like Michael DeBakey, fell victim to his parents’ schemes and looked at him with such hurt and betrayal every day of the year after that. He hasn’t cried like this since he was alone and unloved and unlovable, when life was hopeless and he had to carve out hope for himself.

Except there’s not hope now, not really.

Casey’s his best friend, his girlfriend, and he just—he cares about her so much. Everything inside of him begs God to rewind the clock, to put him in that room with the senator when Travis deployed the canister, to let him take Casey’s place. If one of us has to die, let it be me. Not her. Don’t let her die.

I love her.

He screams, his voice scratching the back of his throat, his fingers tugging at his hair. Why did it take so long for me to know? Why did I have to wait?

I love her. I love her I love her I love her.

And she’s going to die.

***

“Okay, Keiki, I’m not going to be back until tomorrow at the earliest.” Bryce moves into his bedroom, chewing his bottom lip. He idly picks up his overnight back and sets it down.

Keiki leans against the doorframe, her arms crossed over her chest. “Why?”

He sighs and grabs a fresh pair of scrubs and shoves them into his bag. “I told you, there was an assassination attempt at the hospital. They might need me.”

“There are other surgeons.”

He stands up straight, dropping his boxers on the cover. “Casey was a victim of the attack, too. She’s alive —” he nearly chokes on the next words “—for now, but it’s not looking good. One person died already, one’s in a coma, and I don’t think Raf has too much time either.” He shakes his head and moves into the bathroom. “I’m going to stay with her.”

Keiki bites the inside of her cheek and steps into his bedroom. “Anything I can do?”

Bryce tosses his toiletry bag onto the bed and drops to the ground, fishing under his bed for a pair of shoes. “Uh, can you try and find my green sweatshirt? The one from my surfing days? It’s Casey’s favorite.”

She nods and starts rifling through his closet.

“You know the drill: leftovers in the fridge, and you can use my DoorDash account if there’s nothing in there. Don’t leave the apartment unless there’s an emergency, you have my number and Case—” he swallows. “If there’s some kind of danger, go to Mrs. Zimmerman across the hall. She’s a sweet old lady, makes the best cakes, and she’ll take care of you.”

“I know the drill.” Keiki steps away from the closet, a sweatshirt folded over her arm. “I couldn’t find the one you were talking about, but I’ve seen Casey wear this one before.”

Bryce tosses a pair of tennis shoes on his bed and grabs the sweatshirt from Keiki. “Dammit, Casey must still have it at her place. Alright, this is fine.” He kisses Keiki’s head. “Thanks, Keiks. You know I love you, but…”

He’s never said it out loud before.

She nods understandingly and sits on his bed. “You love Casey more.”

He nods in agreement. “Yeah.”

“Have you told her?”

He ignores her, roughly shoving his clothes and shoes into his overnight bag. When he gets to the sweatshirt, he folds it carefully. Casey might not be able to wear it just yet, not while she’s in a hospital gown, but maybe…

“Can you grab the blanket from the couch? Not the one you use for bed, the other one?”

She frowns. “You didn’t answer my question, Bryce.”

He sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “What do you think?” He shakes his head and stalks to the living room. “And now she might die before I can tell her.”

Keiki trails him. “So then tell her! What’s the worst that can happen?” She hops over the coffee table and sits on the blanket before Bryce can pull it to safety. “She already knows the worst stuff about you, and she stuck around.” She clears her throat and shifts on the blanket so he has no chance of pulling it away. “And if she doesn’t have the same feelings, well…at least you told her.”

“Keiks, I—I don’t know. I just…”

She stands up, eyes on fire. “Bryce Kai Lahela, you do not have the luxury of waiting. With Morgan, yeah, I understand. You were in high school, and Mom and Dad fucked her family over. But that’s not Casey. Please, just…don’t do something you’ll regret.” She hands him the blanket. “Tell her.”

He kisses her forehead. “See you tomorrow.”

***

Jackie runs up to him as soon as he steps back out of his car. “Where the hell were you?”

He glares at Jackie and slams his car door shut. His car beeps when he locks it. “In case you forgot, I have a little sister under my guardianship. I had to make sure she would be okay.” He shakes his overnight bag in her face, his keys also jingling with the movement. “Also, had to pack one of these. Like hell if I leave my girlfriend behind.”

She ducks her head. “Sorry, I just—”

He nods and shoulders his way inside. “I know. You’re worried about her. All of us are.” He clears his throat. “Where’s Elijah?”

Jackie walks in front of him. “Follow me.”

“Jackie, please —”

She turns and shushes him before grabbing his wrist. Dragging him along, she leads him into the locker room, where Elijah is just finishing up a call.

“Alright. Tell me if it reminds you of anything.” He turns around, face falling when he sees Bryce. “Sorry, that was one of my undergrad professors. He taught history of medicine and science, so I was hoping he knew something about reactions to biological weapons. Maybe something useful.” He lifts one shoulder in a half shrug. “Shoulda known better, though. He hasn’t done any research on this topic for decades.”

Bryce opens his locker and tosses his overnight bag inside. “That’s okay. It might help, and he might go through his research. Or talk to someone who might know.” He jerks his head in the direction of Casey’s room. “C’mon, let’s go see her.”

Jackie holds up a finger. “Hold on, Aurora’s on her way.”

Aurora runs inside the hospital a few minutes later, shoving past the handful of security guards — all of them shaken — with a shout and “I’m Harper Emery’s niece, let me in!” When she reaches the three of them, she slows to a walk and smooths her hair. “Where is she?”

“Follow me.” They stop at the nurses’ station to pick up Sienna, and then Bryce is jogging to the elevator, bouncing on the balls of his feet. Jackie rests a hand on his shoulder.

“She’ll be alright.”

He stares straight ahead. “You didn’t see her. Or Raf.” He hangs his head. “Fuck.”

“Either way,” Jackie shakes him a bit, “Casey’s probably scared out of her fucking mind. She trusts you. She loves you. Don’t make her more afraid than she already is.”

He lolls his head. “How in the hell am I supposed to do that?”

The elevator door dings and slides open. Jackie twists her lips. “I don’t know.”

Bryce leads them down the hall towards Casey’s room. As they get closer, he squares his shoulders and forces a smile, but he knows it doesn’t reach his eyes. And he knows Casey will notice it, too.

Casey gapes at them when they get to her room. She offers him a relieved smile and holds her hand up to the glass. His bravado melts into something more sincere, and though his smile isn’t as wide, it’s genuine, and he presses his hand against the glass. “Told you I’d be back. This time I brought some company.”

Her roommates crowd the front of the windows, speaking animatedly to her and Raf. He wants to sag against the wall and cry and cry and cry some more, but he tries to keep a brave face on. For her or for himself, he’s not entirely sure.

Ethan steps back and stands next to him. “It’s good. That you’re doing this, I mean. It’s helping her.”

He shrugs, his eyes still trained on Casey. “I wanted her to see her friends. They’re important to her.”

“So are you.” Ethan studies him for a moment. “How are you holding up?” He jerks his head in Casey’s direction. “She talks about you all the time, you know. And I’ve seen you two together.”

Bryce resists the urge to cross his arms. “So?”

“So this has to be just as hard on you for an entirely different reason.” Ethan sighs and squeezes his shoulder. “Look, in my experience, it’s just as difficult to deliver bad news to loved ones as it is to deliver the bad news to the patient. In fact, I think it’s harder. So how are you holding up?”

Bryce licks his lips. “It sucks,” he says quietly.

Ethan nods and faces forward once again. “I wish we’d never taken the senator on as a patient. Not that I’d wish this even on Tobias, but maybe…”

Maybe Casey wouldn’t have been caught in the crossfire.

He nods. “Yeah.”

Jackie gestures around at the lot of them. “We’re going to figure this out. All of us.”

Bryce steps forward and tries to force a smile. “I’m just a surgeon, but I’ll offer whatever help I can.” And it’s fucking nothing.

Casey’s eyes well with tears, and she shuffles closer. “Now’s not the time for that confidence of yours to do a runner, Bryce.”

Sienna cranes her neck to see him. “Yeah, you’re not just anything.”

He meets Casey’s gaze, and he prays she can read the love in his eyes. I’ll do whatever I can to save you. “Sorry, I mean we’ve got this.”

Casey wipes her cheeks furiously. “That’s better.”

Everything in him wants to reach for her, to tug her into his arms and bury his face in the crook of her neck, to squeeze her hair and whisper that he loves her. He wants to hold her hand and kiss her face and cradle her cheeks in his hands.

But in between them is a wall of glass, impenetrable, separating the dying from the living. “See you soon, Case.”

***

Baz leans back in his chair, shaking his head solemnly.

Bryce’s heart sinks. “So June was wrong?” We don’t have much time left.

“No,” Baz says, scratching the stubble on his chin, “June was right. It’s a maitotoxin.”

A heart-wrenching sob tears from Sienna’s throat. Elijah reaches up to rub her shoulder in consolation. Ethan pinches the bridge of his nose and leans against the wall. Jackie sets her chin, tears filling her eyes.

Bryce swallows, furrowing his brow. “But —” his blood runs cold, and he shudders as a shiver runs up his spine. “Fuck, there’s no cure for that.” He searches for a friend in the lab, but Sienna’s sobbing, Elijah’s fighting his own tears, Jackie won’t meet his eye, and he knows no one else except Ethan. He holds Ethan’s eye. “Casey’s—that means Casey’s going to die?”

The crushing weight of it all threatens to gut him. He stands up, and he nearly pitches forward. His stomach lurches, and whether that’s from a need to vomit or from the sobs threatening to bubble up, he doesn’t know. “I’m going to lose her,” he whispers.

Baz reaches out and catches his wrist. “She’s not gone yet.” With his free hand, he rubs his forehead. “We’ll try and save Rafael too, of course, but Casey’s lucky because she didn’t get as much of the toxin. She might survive.”

Bryce shakes off his hand. “Baz, what are the chances of her making it?” He shoves his hand through his hair, his chest heaving. “There’s no cure. And even if you guys could make one, she doesn’t have weeks! She doesn’t even have days! She —”

Ethan crosses the room quickly and sets both hands on his shoulders. “I know you care about her —”

Bryce shoves Ethan away. “Like hell! She’s my girlfriend, and I lo—” he sucks in a deep breath. “What can you all do? None of you are God! She’s going to die here, and if not tonight, then tomorrow, and —” his knees buckle. Ethan wraps an arm around him and helps lower him to the ground.

No one speaks.

***

He doesn’t know how his feet move. Right now, it feels like he can’t breathe, like his lungs stop before he can breathe in. His body trembles with each step, and yet, he can’t move quickly enough, can’t wait to stand in front of Casey’s room and see her alive for one of the last times.

Bryce squeezes his eyes shut and shakes his head once. Tears escape down his cheeks, and he quickly reaches up to swipe them away. Sienna cries softly, her head on Jackie’s shoulder. In front of him, he can hear Elijah sniffling. The diagnosticians try to exude confidence, try and hold their chins high, but Baz’s eyes fill with tears.

And Casey will know it’s bad news.

She’s so far away from him.

He would do anything to trade places with her, even just to be in the same room as her and hold her and kiss her and tell her that he loves her and everything will be okay, but the glass windows that separate the living from the dying hold firm. Her face falls when her eyes meet his.

She swallows. “What is it?”

Ethan sighs deeply and runs a hand through his hair. Baz turns his head and swipes at his cheeks. Only June seems to have any level of composure.

“It’s a maitotoxin,” Ethan says. “One I’ve never seen before.” His voice gets quieter the more he explains.

Bryce finds himself gently shouldering himself forward, hand itching to touch the glass, to assure Casey that he’s there for her.

“We’ll find a way,” Ethan says. “We’ll fix this.”

Jackie lifts her chin. “You have the smartest diagnostic minds and the best residents at the hospital on this case. We’ll definitely find a cure with the nine of us working on it.”

“Make that more.” Aurora waves Tobias and a few other Mass Kenmore doctors forward. “I present you the best minds Mass Kenmore can offer.”

Bryce doesn’t hear much else, but he meets Aurora’s eyes, then Tobias’s, and prays that they can see what his voice fails to say. Thank you. Thank you for giving her another chance at life.

The diagnosticians wave goodbye to Casey and head back to the lab, but he stays by the window. He puts his hands in his white coat pocket, takes them out, and shakes them a little bit. When Casey tilts her head, studying him, he tries to force a smile. It won’t reach his eyes.

He clears his throat. “It’s all gonna be okay, Casey. I promise.” I pray. I pray, I promise. He shuffles closer. The glass is too damn thick.

She sniffles and presses her lips together. “You don’t have to be optimistic for my sake.” A stray tear falls down her cheek, and she reaches up to rub it away with her thumb.

Bryce sighs and licks his lips. His own eyes well with tears. This is harder than I thought it could be. She’s so small, and her body jerks with shivers. Her knees buckle, and she sways on her feet, but she refuses to move back to her bed. She stays with him, and he will stay with her, until death do them part.

“…I’m not,” he admits. “It’s for my sake. If I don’t stay optimistic —” he shakes his head ruefully, lifting his hand to the glass again, “— I’m gonna fucking lose it.” He breathes in shakily, past the point of caring about the unshed tears in his eyes. “I can’t let myself do that. Not yet.”

She steps forward and lifts both hands to the glass.

He presses his forehead to the window. “Not while there’s still hope,” he whispers.

“Bryce, I’m scared,” she whispers, her voice carrying through the glass. “I’m going to die tonight.”

His heart twinges. “What if I stayed with you for a while? Would that help? There’s another hazmat suit out here.” And he hates it, hates that he can only see her while wrapped in twenty pounds of plastic and completely unable to feel her skin, unable to kiss her, to press his forehead to hers. But it’s something, it would allow him to be with her, and he would cut off ten years of his life for the opportunity to be with her now.

She nods quickly. “Please stay with me tonight.”

Immediately, he suits up. Doesn’t give a damn whether or not he’s actually doing it right, but he saw June, Baz, and Ethan all do it before — twice, actually — and he’s itching to get in there and hold his girlfriend in his arms. As soon as he can, he steps through the decontamination tent, and envelops Casey in his arms.

She sighs in relief, her left arm tucked under his right and her right arm wrapped tightly around his neck. “Thank you,” she whispers, and he’s almost certain he can hear her tears dripping onto his hazmat suit.

He squeezes her tighter. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” If I could’ve done anything — maybe I should’ve stayed in Kyra’s surgery, maybe invited her to watch, gotten lunch with her — maybe…

There’s nothing more in the world he wants to do than kiss her, so he settles on pulling her as close to himself as he dares, with her lungs as weak as they are.

She shakes her head. “It’s not your fault.”

He nods. “I know. I know it’s not—it’s only Travis’s and maybe that shit senator’s. But I’m so sorry. I wish I could do more.”

Casey steps away from him and studies him.

Bryce clears his throat and forces his smile again. It comes a bit easier, now that he can hold her in his arms. “So, am I handsome? Or am I somehow even more handsome in this suit? Be honest and know that I only accept constructive criticism in the form of praise.” His heart hammers in his chest.

At the sound of her telltale giggle, he relaxes. “It’s not quite doing it for me, I’m not going to lie. Still handsome and still the best eye candy in the hospital, but I’m docking points because I can’t see your hair.”

He nods solemnly. “Fair. My hair is my best feature.” Casey giggles again, and instinctively, he reaches out to brush his fingers over her cheek. “Let’s try and get your mind off this. What’s your favorite thing?”

She twists her lips. “You,” she says so quietly that he’s not sure he heard her right.

“Yeah?” he asks, the first genuine smile gracing his lips since this morning.

She nods again. “Yeah.”

“Doesn’t surprise me. Not to make you feel like you’re not special, but I’m a lot of people’s reason for living.” Please keep living. Keep fighting. If for no other reason, then for me.

Her jaw drops and she gently shoves him. “No fair! You asked me my favorite thing, not my reason for living. In light of the new phrasing, I’m changing my answer to ‘pictures of cute animals.’”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Okay, fair. Even I can’t be mad at that.”

She smiles brightly, in deep contrast to how frail her body is. Reaching out, she brushes his helmet. “Gosh, you’re pretty.”

And he doesn’t know why that cripples him, why that brings the tears back into his chest, but his smile falls, and he bites back tears. For her sake. She can’t know how scared he is.

Her eyes widen. “What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?”

He shakes his head rapidly. “No.” He clears his throat. “I just…Case, I really am trying to stay positive. We both have to. But…but when I heard you were in danger, my heart stopped.” He holds his hand up to his stomach. “It dropped. I was so scared for you, Case. I was terrified, and I don’t—I’ve never been that scared before, and I pray to God I don’t have to be again.”

Casey nods, avoiding his eyes. She holds her left elbow in her hand, her free arm hanging limply at her side. “I know what you mean.”

Bryce squeezes her arm. “I called your parents.”

She sniffles, eyes flicking to his. “They’re visiting my brother in Oregon.”

“They said that. They’re gonna get here as soon as they can. Apparently, Logan’s also trying to make it up here, but they told me to tell you that it might be hard.”

“I wish I had my phone. Just so I could talk to them, y’know.” Her tears are flowing more freely. “To say goodbye.” She clears her throat and looks up at him. “I’m glad I got that with you, at least.”

He cups her face in his plastic gloved hands. Theoretically, he could chicken out right now. Could just tell her that she means a lot to him, more than she knows, but it’s her last night, and he would hate himself if he never told her. “I love you, Casey. More than you know, probably. And the idea of losing you…” his throat closes, a rock forming, so he shakes his head ruefully. He meets her eyes. “I love you so very much, Casey Grace Valentine. More than anything.”

Despite the saddened goodbye, the desperate reveal, her smile is genuine, and despite the plastic helmet on his head, she stands on her tiptoes and kisses the front of his mask. “I love you, too, Bryce Lahela. More than anything, and more than anyone.” Casey shuffles forward and presses her forehead to his chest. He wraps his arms around her. “And if tonight’s my last night on earth, then you’re the one I want to spend it with.”

He clears his throat, trying to avoid propping his chin on her head. It couldn’t be comfortable. “Well, damn, Casey. Talk about bittersweet.”

She steps back and twines her fingers in his. “So maybe we can just focus on the sweet part?”

Bryce nods. “You should get some rest.” He hates saying it, because as long as she’s awake, he knows she’s alive, and he can hear her voice, can share whispered I love yous between them, but her body is fighting to give her even the smallest chance, and she keeps swaying on her feet.

Nodding, she shuffles to the bed, but as soon as she reaches it, she turns to face him. “Would you hold me?”

His smile is watery. “I’d love to, Casey.” The setup is awkward, with the tiny hospital bed and his bulky hazmat suit, but they make it work, and he curls around her body, pulling her as close to himself as he can manage. If he closes his eyes, he thinks he can feel her heartbeat against his chest. But he can also hear it on the monitor, and right now, that’s the most beautiful sound in the world to him.

Well. Second, really, only to Casey’s voice.

She runs her fingers over his suit. “I wish I could feel your skin.”

He shifts, trying to assure her of their closeness. “You will.”

With her back to him, he can’t see her tears, but he can hear them in her voice and when she sniffles. “I wish I could kiss you.”

His heart shatters, and he hates, he despises how this might be her last night, and they won’t even share a last kiss. But she doesn’t need his anger or depression now, she needs assurance. She needs the unshakable Bryce Lahela, so he forces confidence into his voice and props himself up so she can hear him better. “Sorry, was I mumbling? You will, Casey. You’re going to get through this.”

She tugs him back to their original position, his arm draped tightly over her stomach. “Bryce, there’s not a cure for a maitotoxin. If I don’t die tonight, I die tomorrow. And—and I won’t be able to kiss you one last time, or feel your skin. I won’t be able to run my hands through your hair again or—or make love with you again or anything.” She chokes on a sob. “And that’s not to mention my roommates or my family. They’re downstairs, working on a cure that will probably come too late instead of saying goodbye.”

“Or they’re saving your life.”

“It will be too late!” she shouts. “I’m going to die, Bryce. You’re a surgeon. We’re both doctors, so you and I both know that I’m not walking out of this alive.”

He sighs deeply. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with hoping right now, Case. It’s all we have.”

Her shoulders shake. “I’m scared, Bryce. Just…tell me it’ll be okay.”

Bryce brushes her hair away from her neck. “It will be, Casey, I really believe that. Ethan and the others will come through.” He pulls her so close to him that the plastic probably does no good, but he couldn’t care less. “Until then,” he says, “just stay with me.”

She nods. “I love you. So much.”

He wishes he could kiss her. “I love you, too.”

***

He doesn’t sleep. His body wants to, of course, but the adrenaline still pulses through his veins, and the idea that if he closes his eyes, Casey might stop breathing and her heart might stop beating is too much for him to bear, so he keeps himself awake.

He prays, too. Not because he’s particularly religious, but if there’s one thing he has left, it’s hope, and he can’t see where God or the universe would hold it against him to hope, to pray. He doesn’t know who to pray to, really, so he just throws it out there and hopes something sticks. It has to. It has to.

Around five or six in the morning — Bryce can’t see the clock around all the plastic covering, but the sun is rising — Casey wakes up with a jerk, looks around wildly, catches his eye, and retches into the sick bag by her bed. He bites his lip and rubs her back soothingly. When the nausea stops, she leans back into his chest, blinking tiredly.

“I hate this,” she says. Her lips are dry.

With his plastic-covered hands, he smooths her hair away from her face. “Do you have a hair tie?”

She shakes her head, but there’s a small smile on her mouth. “Guess I didn’t die last night, after all.”

He squeezes her shoulder. “See? There’s still hope.”

The bags under her eyes have grown darker. Vomit crusts the corners of her mouth. She can’t stop shivering, and she keeps scratching her skin. Her voice is weak.

There’s still hope, he said, but she just keeps getting worse. He can hope and pray all he wants, but her death is fast-approaching, and if the other doctors can’t come through by this afternoon…

Ethan, Baz, and June walk into the room. Casey’s roommates crowd around the window, Sienna nearly bouncing on the balls of her feet. Jackie smiles, and Elijah reaches out to grip her hand. Tobias meets Ethan’s eye and nods once.

Bryce sits up immediately. Does that mean…?

Jackie can’t contain her glee. “We did it! We found a cure.”

Ethan nods slightly, a smile curling at his mouth. “At least, we hope so.”

Both Bryce and Casey furrow their brows. “You hope so?”

Tobias clears his throat. “We didn’t exactly have time to test it out.”

Sienna hooks a thumb in his direction. “But we administered it to Rafael. It—it might be too late for him, but…”

“—but he hasn’t shown any signs of getting worse,” Elijah chips in. He nods at Casey. “There’s hope. We think it’ll work.”

Casey hums. “What else do I have to lose?”

Ethan steps forward, syringe in hand. “If you would.”

Casey holds her arm out to him, but her body has clearly weakened overnight. Bryce cradles her against his chest, holding her arm still as Ethan prepares the injection. “How do we know if it works?”

Ethan shrugs, sliding the needle into her vein. “I’m assuming something similar as what has happened to Mr. Aveiro: no worsening of symptoms and hopefully even improvement. We’ll run some tests in a few hours, assuming you feel the same or better.” He steps back. “Dr. Lahela, if you would.”

Bryce’s eyes flash. “You honest to God think I’m leaving her here?”

June sighs. “You have to. The hazmat suit only has so much available oxygen, and you stretched it far beyond its limit already. We don’t want to have to admit you, too.”

He sets his jaw. “I’m willing to take that risk.”

Casey gently places her hand on his chest. “But I’m not. They’ll come get you if anything happens to me.” Her eyes seek out her friends and colleagues. “Right?”

They all nod. “I’ll send for Bryce personally,” Baz replies.

She squeezes his hand, and for a second, he thinks he can feel her skin. “Go,” she whispers. “I have a fighting chance now.”

***

“You need to get some sleep,” Jackie tells him, handing him a cup of coffee all the same.

Bryce takes it from her, mouthing his thanks, and lifts it to his lips. Across the room, Tobias shakes Ethan’s hand, clapping him on the shoulder. Aurora stands behind him, shifting her weight from foot to foot. When it looks like he’s about to leave, she hooks her thumb over her shoulder, and he nods.

“Sienna,” Aurora says, crossing the room, “you should get some sleep, too.”

Sienna wipes her eyes hastily. “Danny’s dead, Aurora.”

Aurora presses her lips together and rubs her back soothingly. “I’m so sorry, Sienna.”

Bryce nods, lowering his cup of coffee. “I’m sorry for your loss, Sienna.” He sighs, sets down his drink, and wraps her in a hug. “Truly, I’m so sorry.”

She sniffles and squeezes him tightly. “But Raf and Casey are still here. That’s good.” She steps back and forces a smile. “It makes it easier, I think.”

Aurora wraps an arm around her shoulder and guides her to the on-call room. Bryce sighs again and leans against the countertop, reaching behind him to grab his coffee.

Jackie crosses her arms. “So?”

He looks up. “So what?”

“You’re not going to get some sleep?”

He pinches the bridge of his nose and knocks back what’s left in his cup. The coffee is lukewarm. “I need to check on Keiki and give her an update. And I know the Valentines are on their way, so I should get in contact with them, tell them Case is still alive. At least I have some good news for them.”

Jackie grabs his shoulders and steers him out of the break room. “And you’ll have more soon. We can’t confirm anything yet, and you need to rest.”

“Jackie, I —”

She stops and moves to stand in front of him. “You’re not the only person who cares about her.” She gestures vaguely around the hallway. “Why else do you think we stayed up all night to synthesize a cure? Why Aurora brought her colleagues from Mass Ken? Why Tobias and Ethan set aside their differences to work on this?” Jackie glances over her shoulder and leans closer. “Dude, Sienna was crushing hard on Danny, and he died, and she still continued to work on this cure to help Casey.”

He nods and bites his thumbnail. “No, I know. I know how close you all are, but—Jackie, she’s the love of my life.” It comes out easier now, now that Casey knows. “I can’t stand not knowing.”

“Well, you’re in the same boat as the rest of us. Text your sister and Casey’s family, give them an update, then get some rest. I’ll personally make sure Sienna knows about this, too.”

Bryce chokes out a watery laugh and holds his hands up in surrender. “I give up, you win.” He holds up his index finger in Jackie’s face. “But the moment we have something definitive on Casey, you come get me.”

Jackie sticks out her hand. “Deal.”

***

From: Bryce

Stayed w Case all night

Wore a hazmat suit, dw

Gonna still be at the hospital until we know more

How were you last night?

From: Pest

are you okay??? hows casey????

and dw about me

From: Bryce

I’m fine just a little tired

We found a cure?? We think?? We’re waiting to know more

Also I’m your guardian, I’m legally obligated to worry, how were you last night??

From: Pest

well get some rest ig

and thats good!!!! rooting for her (tell her i said hi)

alright fine it was a rough night but thats bc of you and casey and i was worried

From: Bryce

I will soon, just need to update the Valentines (same for telling Case you said hi)

Did you eat??

From: Pest

no i photosynthesized

From: Bryce

Dick

From: Pest

all that was in the fridge was ur chicken from hell and it was late so i asked mrs zimmerman for food

love that woman to death

she gave me lasagna and cookies

…

also i watched tv until late and slept in your bed lol

From: Bryce

Wow

I go through a crisis

Discover I’m in love with my dying girlfriend

And you steal my bed and insult my cooking

From: Pest

oh pls

you got food poisoning from it too

From: Bryce

Ughhhhhh

Just go to school, I’ll keep you updated on Casey

And don’t try and argue your way out of it, I can’t be responsible for you committing truancy

…

But depending on how she’s doing, I’ll try and get you to visit Casey asap

From: Pest

how can i concentrate in school when my favorite sibling is deathly ill

From: Bryce

Do you want me to tell Case that you tried to use her as an excuse to get out of school

Bc I will

From: Pest

fine!!!! getting ready

[middle finger emoji]

***

Two hands grip his shoulders, and he starts awake, looking around wildly, hands forming into a fist. His eyes land on an overjoyed Jackie, who’s bouncing up and down. “It worked! Bryce, it worked!”

He sits up straight. “Casey’s alright?”

Jackie nods quickly, eyes welling up with tears. “She’s alright! I mean, of course, she has to recover, but the maitotoxin’s not going to kill her.”

Bryce grins and springs out of bed. “I’ve gotta go see her!”

“What, you’re not gonna update her folks?”

He stops in his tracks at that, fishing his phone out of his pocket. “You know what, fair.” With one hand, he pushes his hair away from his face while he scrolls through his contacts for Mr. Valentine’s contact.

From: Bryce

Good news!! Casey’s improving!!! The cure the diagnostics team administered to her is working, and she should be on the road to recovery by the time you get here.

[Message not delivered!]

He groans. “They must be on the flight.” Shaking his head, he tucks his phone back into his pocket. “Doesn’t matter. I need to go see her.”

Jackie waves her hand. “Go see your girl, lover boy.”

Bryce sprints upstairs, breezing quickly past Harper and Takana. He can’t help the smile on his face, so when he catches Harper’s eye, she physically relaxes and gives him a nod. Tanaka stops him briefly to shake his hand and to congratulate him.

Normally, Bryce would prioritize this kind of conversation with Takana. It’s not just congratulating him that his girlfriend is still alive and hope is alive and well — after all, he did get through the most difficult part of Kyra’s surgery and essentially left Tanaka to close. His career could catapult with this conversation.

And it will. It can just wait a few minutes.

Bryce excuses himself and bounces on the balls of his feet while he waits for the elevator. Maybe he should text Keiki. She should be getting out of school soon. He glances at his watch. In twenty minutes, actually.

The elevator dings before he can fish his phone out of his pocket, so he slips inside, presses the button for the seventh floor, and taps his fingers against his thigh during the agonizingly long elevator ride. Once the elevator doors begin to slide open, he squeezes past them and sprints to her room.

Before he reaches her room, he slows to a stop and pushes his hand through his hair. If he cranes his neck, he can see her through the glass. She sits on her bed, swinging her legs back and forth, staring outside while biting the inside of her lip.

The glass. It separated the dying from the living, but now, it separates the living from each other.

He strides through the decontamination tent, knowing that there is absolutely no way that he can erase the smile off his face. Opening his arms wide, he locks eyes with Casey. “It worked!”

Her jaw drops and her eyes widen. She straightens.

Bryce lets out a watery laugh, brushing the tears away from his cheeks with his thumb. “I told you it was going to be okay. I told you —”

Casey streaks across the room, launching herself into his arms with such force that he stumbles backwards.

Immediately, he wraps his arms around her, pressing one hand to the small of her back to pull her closer. With his other hand, he cups the back of her neck. She tucks her face into the crook of his neck, and he can feel her tears dripping hot and fast against his neck.

He rests his chin on her shoulder. “Couldn’t wait for me to cross the room, huh?”

She shakes her head quickly. “No.” Stepping back, she grabs the front of his scrubs and pulls him into a dizzyingly deep kiss. His arms wrap around her to hold her close.

When they finally break apart, he rests his forehead against hers. She lifts her hand to brush her fingers across his cheeks. “I love you,” he says.

Casey stands on her tiptoes, capturing his mouth in hers again. “I love you, too.”

Bryce cups her face in his hands and kisses her once, twice, three times. “Thank you,” he whispers, eyes fluttering shut.

She wraps one arm around his neck, keeping one hand on his cheek. “For what?”

He kisses her forehead. “For being alive.”

[choicesficwriterscreations]

September MC & OCs of the Month - Special Edition: Casey Valentine

Help us in welcoming September's MCs and OCs of the month! That's right, plural! Most months, CFWC highlights one randomly selected MC or OC from our Meet My MC / OC List. (More info here.) But this month, we're doing something different.

In August, @lilyoffandoms hosted a Writers Appreciation Month, and we announced the September Writer of the Month would be selected from its participants. But all participants agreed - Lily deserved the honor! Still, we wanted to do something nice for the eleven writers who elected to participate to help uplift other writers in the fandom. So, this month, each of the eleven participants will have one of their MCs or OCs highlighted.

We will introduce each MC / OC individually, and once all eleven have been highlighted, a masterlist for the month will be created. We hope you enjoy getting to know all about them!

The second MC of the Month is @coffeeheartaddict2 's Casey Valentine!

Learn more about Casey below!

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

I like that she does not give up, even when things may seem hopeless with Mrs. M. she found a way, with Willow and Rowan, and in her career, instead of giving up, how can we better this, also helps that the hospital administration is on board with helping all, not just the some but still. 

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

Her fears are the same as mine; like me, she had a missed miscarriage. We both like to help and do not like injustices in the world, so in that regard, we are similar. 

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

Helping others and giving back to the community that you serve. This was instilled into her by her parents and grandparents. Her grandad served as a medic in the army, and when he finished his service, he became a GP in Delaware. 

What are their biggest pet peeves/dislikes?

Dishonesty, greed, misogyny. Casey is not afraid to call people out on it, especially if it is blatant. She was very pleased with herself when she called Landry out on it after he was fired from Edenbrook in When Egos Collide. She does see that some lies, like Santa etc. do not cause harm, but lies that hurt Casey have little time for. 

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

In some ways, Casey regrets giving Ethan some space between when he took his job back and when he left for Brazil. She did so try to think of a workable solution before speaking to him. She did not think of one, and then he left. He messaged her sorry before boarding the plane, but she never knew what he was sorry for. 

What is your MC’s favorite quote or song?

She does not really have a favourite quote. She does have several songs she loves

Can’t Always Get What You Want- Rolling Stones

Bridge Over Troubled Water- Simon and Garfunkel

All You Need is Love - The Beatles 

Hey Jude- The Beatles

With a little help from my friends- The Beatles

Everlong- Foo Fighters

My Hero - Foo Fighters

Maybe I’m Amazed- Paul McCartney

Gone Away - The Offspring

Numb- Linkin Park 

In the End- Linkin Park

All Too Well- Taylor Swift

Good Riddance - Greenday

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

I started writing because I was encouraged by a group chat I was in at the time. I decided to redo initially book 2 ch14-20 as there were some things that I wanted to happen. I never thought that I would be here and a whole world. 

Casey's MC Profile

[hrteowyn]

i need someone to make an ethan ramsey songfic based on this song

[ambraambrose]

The baseball game

Series: Open Heart, book 1: chapter 5

Pairing: Ethan x F!MC

Rate: fluff

Summary: Ethan needs support to handle Banner Health.

Casey goes inside to order new drinks, balancing between all the other baseball fans. She then catches a familiar figure sitting at the bar. Her heartbeat fastens immediately. “Dr. Ramsey?” He turns around, without permission his eyes travel down her body, realizing that he starts to like sport dresses. “… Rookie.” Her damn significant smile spreads on her face. “Small world!” “Some might say too small.” He bites his tongue, hopefully he hasn’t hurt her with this. But to his relief, she just smiles amused, seemingly used to his grumpy demeanor.

“What are you doing here? You don’t strike me as a baseball fan.” ‘Oh yeah? What type do you strike me for?’ “I merely doing what all doctors do… delaying the inevitable.” ‘Oh maaaaaan, can’t he just answer my question.’ “Wait… What?” He has to suppress a smile at her expression. Her sculpted eyebrows knitted in confusion and that little pout. But instead of giving another teasing comment, he heaves out a long sigh. “I was invited here by the executives of Banner Health.” “The health insurance company?” ‘Smart little thing’, he thinks. “The administration is negotiating our contract renewal with Banner… Chief Emery insisted I accompany her as they essentially bribe us in their private box suite.” “You and Chief Emery are up in a box? Cool!” “Well, it’s just me, now. Harper was called back for an emergency, so I’m fending off the vultures on my own. They’re trying to butter me up with lobster, fine wine, all the ridiculous luxuries they can afford. It’s terrible.” ‘Oh, he is so cute when he’s angry (not about me, of course) and dramatic.’ “Um, that sounds pretty alright to me.” “It may surprise you to hear, but I’m not one for… schmoozing.” She grins widely. ‘Don’t do that grin on me, Rookie!’ “You? Nooooooo…” “Really funny, Rookie.” An idea accurses to him, it is a dangerous game for him, but also too tempting. Maybe she’ll tell him, why she didn’t join the competition, just because Harper wants to know the reason, he himself doesn’t care. “As much as it humiliates me to ask a favor of an intern... would you... join me upstairs? I won’t take you long. I just don’t think I’ll survive with them on my own." 'Oooooooh, is he basically asking me out on a date?’, she wipes away the idea to tease him about this. “Sure, I’ll help you.” “Excellent, follow me.”

Ethan leads Casey to the VIP section, where a suited guard stands. “She’s with me.” He can’t explain it, but these words send thrills down his spine. They stand next to each other in the elevator, an awkward silence between them. After a short ride up, the door opens and for Casey it is like she enters a totally different world. An amazing few at the game, cushioned stadium seats and couches, almost all occupied by well-dressed people. “I could get used to this.” “God forbid. Here, you’ll need this.” He pours her a large glass of an expensive-looking Malbec. Suddenly she gets nervous when she remembers what she is wearing, while he pours himself a glass of wine. "Dr. Ramsey, I think, I’m not dressed to be here.” She fiddles at her shirt. “Nonsense, if any, you are the only one dressed exactly right for a baseball game.” His eyes softens at her and it calms her down a little. He raises his glass to hers. “To surviving this insipid people in our industry without having an aneurysm.” She shakes her head, smiling and clinks her glass to his. “I don’t know what you’re complaining about. Great view, great wine, lobster and steak at a baseball game? This is the life!” “That’s what they want. To seduce you. To convince you to think like them. Don’t let it become about the money.” “Dr. Ramsey, I’m $100,000 in med school debt. My friends and I are all closing in on thirty, and we eat peanut butter and instant ramen regularly. Of course I care about the money. I have to.” ‘Damn, you idiot, she is right.’ For a split second he asks himself how it would be to cook a proper dinner for her, how her green eyes would twinkle by the surprise and the comfort that someday she would achieve what he did. “My apologies. You’re right. I was in debt years after I graduated. That’s part of the scheme. It’s easier to recruit the best doctors to high-paying jobs if they’re more desperate. Even if those jobs do less good for the world.” Before she can say something a voice calls: “Ethan! Ethan there you are.” A boisterous man and his business partner approach them. Ethan lowers his voice to her. “That’s them. The Banner Health reps. Are you ready?” “What are we supposed to say?” “We’re trying to negotiate a good deal on our renewed contract.”

Ethan puts on a fake smile and the fake is totally obvious. “You have a terrible poker face.” ‘Thanks, Rookie.’ “What do you want from me? I’m a doctor, not an actor.” The reps arrive and shake Ethan’s hand. The woman speaks up: “We’re still so pleased that you could join us today. As I was saying, we at Banner Health are big fans of your research.” The man follows up: “A lot of monetization opportunities there, as I’m sure you know…” “Ah… yes. By the way, allow me to introduce you to Dr. Casey Valentine…” He gently holds his hand to her lower back without touching her, but the closeness of him gives Casey goosebumps. “…She is one of our most promising young doctors. The next generation of medicine, in fact.” When he looks at her, he can see the tease in her smile. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” She bows her head lightly and shakes their hands. “Dr. Ramsey has already impressed upon me the invaluable bond that Edenbrook has built with Banner. I very much looking forward to working with you to help our patients in a fiscally responsible fashion.” She puts on a smile that fool everyone. ‘Rookie, you little minx, you have no problem with the poker face, don’t you?’ He can’t hide a proud smile. The woman seems pleased as well: “Well, well! You’re making quite the impression yourself, Dr. Valentine.” “Ethan, if this is who Edenbrook’s recruiting these days, this partnership is going to really take off.” “Yes. I believe it is.” Ethan glances at Casey for a split second, approval in his eyes. “Now about this contract—” The woman interrupts him enthusiastically. “Wait, I just had a fabulous idea! Why don’t you join us for golf, Ethan? We could talk about our long-term future.” The man joins. “We’ve got a tee time already. Wednesday at 9 AM at Old Oak.”

Ethan gets nervous, this will be a new level of hell. But before he can react, Casey does. “Dr. Ramsey will be out of town.” “He will?” “Er, yes. He will be consulting on a case in Poughkeepsie.” “Poughkeepsie! Nice! A burgeoning market!” “Yes. I’m sure you’d rather have that conversation with Chief Emery anyway.” He looks at Casey with a half-smile, clearly grateful for the rescue. ‘Wicked little troublemaker.’ “Now, if we could return to the terms of our renewal?” “We’ve covered most of the big picture with Chief Emery, but there are some fine points to hammer out.” ‘These people really are bloodsuckers’, Casey thinks, while Ethan and the reps talk numbers.

Finally the man says: “Great. We’ll have legal draw up the paperwork.” He offers Ethan his hand to shake. Ethan hesitates… “There‘s one more condition we want… Better rates on cardic services. You just said we’re 35% of your business in that field. That’s all lost when we walk away.” “Hm. You strike a hard bargain. But I suppose we can give you an extra three points in reimbursement.” Ethan shakes their hands, and they depart.

He looks approving at Casey. “Nice job squeezing them at the end.” “We had to get something extra for our patients. It’s our responsibility.” His smile widens, she really is not like the other interns. “You’re right. It is.” “So we’re done?” ‘Yes, but I want you to stay!’ “With the business, yes. Though I suppose we could stay and enjoy the game for a while.”

Both sit down together to watch, when she turns to watch at him an grin. “’One of our most promising young doctors.’” “Stop.” “’The future of medicine.’” She is so cute when she teases him. “Well, I couldn’t very well introduce you as a colossal pain in my ass, now could I?” “So how do you think those talks went?” “Fair to middling. But work like this.. it’s not why I became a doctor.” “Why did you become a doctor?” She really is the only intern that asks him such questions straight in the face. It isn’t a really risky question, but usually the interns aren’t even brave to ask him what time it is. He gazes out over the field for a moment, lost in thought. “To conquer. To defeat mysteries that defeat us.” He turns to look at her. “My turn. Why have you not entered the competition for the fellowship?” His direct and briskly question and tone thrills her in an exciting way. She likes him like that, maybe too much. But she manages to answer teasing. “Were you hoping I would?” This smile again. “It’s unbecoming to flatter yourself, Rookie.” That doesn’t shake her excitement. “You were hoping, weren’t you?” “Not in the slightest. It's a mystery, and I can’t resist a mystery. Nothing more.” ‘Yeah, fool yourself’, he thinks. “I think you care because we’re becoming friends.” ‘I don’t wanna be friends with you, Rookie, not in this way.’ “Absolutely not.” He can’t help a smile. “You’re just delaying the inevitable.” “… As all doctors must.” “But we’ll do it together as beeeeeeestiiiies!” “What is a bestie?” He asks with a scoff. “It’s a another word for best friends.” “There is no winning with you in that, isn’t it?” “No, if I want something and I’m sure about that it’s good, I’m going for it.” His thoughts turn around: ‘what else do you want, Rookie?’ He leans in in a seemingly magnetic pull. Her breath hitches by his intensity. A sudden cheer brings them back to reality. “Seems like we are winning”, Casey says looking out on the field while Ethan’s eyes are still fixed on her. “Yeah, seems so.”

Later that night Ethan sits in his office, feeling relaxed now that the negotiating with Banner Health is over. He looks over some test results for Naveen. ‘Damn, nothing.’ He takes notes to document his treatments and results of Naveen’s case. A knock at his door interrupts him. “Come in.” He doesn’t know what he has expected but definitely not with this. He takes off his eyeglasses and looks up at her. “Rookie.” She is out of breath like she has ran all the way to his office. “I want in.” His eyes wander to the clock mounted at the wall… 12:01 AM. “I’m sure I made it clear that the cutoff was midnight. So go ahead. Tell me why I should make an exception for you.” ‘Come on, Rookie, you got this.’ She starts speaking with a nervous but excited voice. “I want to help people the way you do. The entire reason I ranked Edenbrook first on my list of residencies was because of you and diagnostics team.” Against his better judgement his heart jumps in his chest. Normally he would call an intern out because they were just kissing his ass and he hates schmoozing, but Casey is different. Even if he is her medical idol, she would never bitter him up. Like on her second day on the rounds when she stood up to him. She continued, she knows exactly what to say because it is just the truth of what she feels and thinks. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is to help people the way you do. Help the people everyone else has given up on. Please give me the chance to prove how worthy I am to do that.” Ethan thinks for a moment, his face unreadable for her, scratching his chin. He knows exactly what he is going to if one intern will be ready for this spot it’s her. Sure she needs to be pushed and educated, but she has it in her, he always knew it since he read her application. “You had me worried there.” He opens a file, adding her name to the bottom of a long list. She beams up at him. ‘Dammit, this smile.’ He curses inside. “Thank you, Dr. Ramsey!” “Don’t thank me. Just don’t make me regret it.”

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @wanderingamongthewildflowers

[lilyoffandoms]

My February Challenge Masterlist

So January is done and I still need things to occupy my time while I’m laid up so onto the next challenge. A Choices February 2024, Choices Pride, and other fandom challenges seemed appropriate since I’ll go back to work right around the 14th so it gives me copious amounts of time to draw lovey dovey (platonic included) art for the season.

Trystan x Emma (CoP)

Based on the fic, The 2AM Christmas Tree Farm, by the extremely talented @thosehallowedhalls. Regrets, wishes granted, new regrets discovered, and best of all the most perfect mix of angst with happy endings.

Aiden x Evie (HSS)

Based on two lovely edits by @cadybear420. I’ve never played any of the HSS books but I’m incredibly tempted to give them a go based on this edit alone! Plus, Evie in a suit? Yes please (can’t wait to see you post that one)!

Kit x Jules (Untamable)

Based on the fic, We’ll Figure It Out, by @peonyblossom. Many of ya know I’m a sucker for cowboys and a select few (really all y’all know) I’m usually a sucker for books the fandom loves to hate. So this pairing was a no brainer for me. Cowboys? Check. Gay? Check. Fluff and picnics? Check. What’s not to love?

Daenarya x Maiele (Blades)

For me and for @storyofmychoices. Thanks for being so wonderful and creating Daenarya!

Imtura x Rán (Blades)

Based on the fic, Swordplay, by @trappedinfanfiction. If I’m a sucker for cowboys yall know I’m even more of a sucker for swordplay with a hot partner. And who wouldn’t want a little help learning that? Especially from Imtura!

Eva x Troy (WtD)

Based on Starlit Night by @dutifullynuttywitch. There is something so magical about friends bringing joy and comfort to each others lives before they become take the leap from friends to lovers. And if that comfort comes in the form of stargazing or even better, Aurora Borealis, sign me up!!

Ash x Skylar (ILITW)

Based on the fic, Répondez, S'il Vous Plaît ! 3, by @aallotarenunelma. Is there anything better than that moment before a first kiss? Well, other than the first kiss itself.

Trystan x Gabriel (CoP)

Dorian x Aerin (Blades)

Based on the fic, I Cannot Bear To Hold You With These Unworthy Hands, by @aria-ashryver. I title this art, Moments Before Disaster 😂 But seriously there is something so wonderful and tender in the moment when all seems right in the world. And for me, that moment is made all the better knowing it will be ripped away hehe (I’m sorry I’m like this).

Sloane Washington (PM)

For @sloanewashingtonappreciationweek day one.

Anna x Nyx (WT - lace)

Requested by @noesapphic for @choicespride Valentine’s event.

Early Morning Bryce

Based on this post.

Bryce x Jensen (OPH - bouquets)

Requested by @mydemonsdrivealimo for @choicespride Valentine’s Event.

Derek Taylor x Charlie Howard

For @tveitertotwrites as part of the @choicesfandomappreciation Secret Pal exchange.

Thomas x Jackie

Requested by @peonyblossom for @choicespride Valentine’s Event.

Mal x Daenarya

A gift for @storyofmychoices from @peonierose for the @choicesfandomappreciation Secret Pal Exchange. Based on this fic.

Tobias x Casey (OPH)

A birthday gift for @jerzwriter. Love ya babe 😘

Tyril x MC (Blades - dancing)

[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

[jerzwriter]

It's still 12/28 in California, so I'm not done sending love to fandom artists just yet, and that shouldn't come as a shock to anyone because I have yet to give a shout-out to @mydemonsdrivealimo. Because if we're talking about fandom artists that have brought me joy in 2023, they're high on the list.

MJ, I have admired your talent and been freaking obsessed with Jensen ever since you joined this crazy little corner, and I freaking love our little idiots playing together.

Thanks for sharing your creativity, vision (and did I mention talent?) with us. We're so lucky to have you here. 😊

@choicesfandomappreciation - Year End Countdown

[firstprince-ao3feed]

i will always love you

by enablelove “Hen, you showed me what love was. You showed me that it’s a choice and a promise and it’s not something I stepped in lightly. I choose to fall in it every day with you, head over heels in fact, because it’s easy." Words: 600, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 3 of Love Week 2024 Fandoms: Red White & Royal Blue - Casey McQuiston, Red White & Royal Blue (2023) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M Relationships: Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor Additional Tags: Schmoop, Fluff, Boys In Love, Valentine's Day via https://ift.tt/oLPeGic

[bebepac]

@dcbbw exactly! We all deserve that love from our people, especially while they are here. And we both know Von was never "the one" for my Riley. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 He had no choice but to step aside! Thank you for reading 📚 and sharing my work, my dear friend ❤️ 💕 😊

The Galentine’s Day Queens

First off thank you @peonierose for sending me a Valentine’s Day pic, that got this idea rolling. I was planning to write on one of the gaggle of series I should be trying to finish but up popped this little one shot.  This really wouldn’t have happened if you haven’t sent that ask to me, so thank you. :)

It crosses TRR x Open Heart  as it features Casey Valentine as a friend to Riley Brooks the TRR Character. 

I used the quote from @choicesflashfics prompt 2: I thought that if I acted like it didn’t matter, than it wouldn’t.”  which will appear in bold.  

This also can be a submission for @choices-february2023​ prompt for Day 13 Galentine’s Day. 

The Book:  TRR x Open Heart Pairings:  None:  All characters are single Word Count: 997 Warnings and Ratings: None:  minus the curse words in the mood board.  LOL Summary:  Daniel takes Riley and their friends on a special night on the town as Galentines.

Original Post: 02/13/23 at 3:01PM EST.

Keep reading

[hopelessromantic1352]

After MC helped Ethan make a PG account and added him as a friend, WE KNOW he checked her profile right? What's the photo that caught his attention? 😏👇🏻

I loved this question so I just made the whole post 😂

He loves this picture of her because of the genuine smile and the over confidence that made him fall for her to begin with. She was never afraid of him and she challenges him in a way he needs and vice versa. When he stalked her profile (we all do it 🙈😂) he paused on this post just because of her natural beauty. No filter, no excessive amount of skin showing, and just an everyday moment.

Plus… we all know he liked it accidentally and she teased him about it the next day. #headcanon 🤣

I didn’t know who to tag so I just tagged a few peeps 😆 @alj4890 @jerzwriter @liaromancewriter @cariantha

[myglassesareinkansas]

I refuse to believe that Bryce “I just want to go on a walk with you” Lahela took three years to admit to Casey that he was in love with her