#choices heart fanfic

[jerzwriter]

Hot Idea

Book:              Open Heart (Post Series)

Pairing:           Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Kaycee MacClennan)

Rating:            Teen

Words: 990

Summary: Ethan & Kaycee are poolside on one of the hottest days in Boston's history; Ethan's eager to go inside until Kaycee mentions wedding planning. Then, there's a brilliant idea.

A/N: This is loosely based on an old ask from @potionsprefect. I think this took place just days after Kaycee got her official engagement ring in As Planned. And look at me keeping it under 1,000 words!

It was sweltering outside. One of the hottest days in Boston’s history, bound to break all records. Ethan removed his sunglasses, or maybe they slid off; he was undoubtedly sweating enough for that. After a long chug of ice water, he rolled over on his lounger to address his fiancee.

“If there is a god, she intended for days like this to be spent one way… and one way alone.”

Despite the heat, Kaycee couldn’t help but grin. “If and she. There is a reason I said yes to you, Ethan.”

“And that’s what it is,” he smirked. “I assumed one of my many other talents made you arrive at that decision.”

“It was a million little reasons. But tell me, how did the possible goddess intend for us mere mortals to spend days like this?”

“Indoors,” he deadpanned. “Where it’s air-conditioned.”

“Poolside isn’t good enough for you?” She teased.

“Before dating you, I didn’t know my condo had a pool. Does that answer your question?”

“Well, it is boiling,” she agreed. “And it’s our only day off this week; we probably should go inside and start discussing wedding plans.”

“You know,” Ethan said, reclining in his chair. “If we drink more water, it’s entirely bearable out here.”

Kaycee reached for her glass of ice water and playfully tossed it atop Ethan’s bare chest.

“HEY!” He hollered.

“What? If ingesting the water will keep you cool… and away from discussing wedding plans… I figured external application would merely assist you.”

“You realize I have a glass right next to me, and I’m not above retaliation.”

Reaching over, Kaycee stole his glass and chugged the water in its entirety. “There! Now, that threat is eliminated.”

“But there is still ice,” Ethan winked. “And you know our history with ice.”

“Mmm,” she hummed. “Nice attempt at deflection… but I’m not letting you off the hook. Why are you so unwilling to discuss wedding plans with me? If I hadn’t received two beautiful proposals, I’d think you had cold feet.”

 “It’s not you,” he sighed. “Or the marriage. I’d head down to City Hall today and make it legal. It’s… the wedding…”

“I know,” Kaycee sighed, slumping back into her chair. “I’m not all jazzed about that part either.”

“Wait,” Ethan exclaimed. “You’re not? I assumed you’d want a big, fancy thing with all the trimmings.”

“Have I ever alluded to that?”

“No,” Ethan agreed. “But you went on and on about how you liked Reynaldo’s wedding in the City.”

“I did. For Reynaldo, but it’s just not… me.”

“Your mother would kill us if we eloped,” Ethan stated.

“Without question,” Kaycee laughed. “My Mom is part of the problem. I know she means well, but she’s Italian. She can’t help herself. A wedding means a church, hundreds of distant cousins I never knew I had, and a dress that would make Cinderella look understated.”

“Hundreds?” Ethan moaned.

“Don’t worry,” Kaycee smiled, gripping his hand. “We aren’t doing any of that. But… I have to the talk I’ve been avoiding with my mother.”

Ethan removed his glasses and looked at her sincerely. “Kaycee, what do you want?”

Kaycee closed her eyes, a slow smile spreading on her face. “I want a pretty dress, but nothing fussy. I want our closest friends and family there, but no one else. Good food, drinks, music, and laughter are musts, and at the end of the day, I better be married to you. But outside of that… I don’t care.”  

“Well, I approve of that,” he beamed. “So, how do we go about doing this?”

“I’ll talk to Mom. She’ll come around… eventually… with my father’s help,” Kaycee sighed. “Her heart’s in the right place, but. I wish I could avoid the headaches. Maybe we should plan a surprise wedding,” she laughed.

Ethan’s eyes went wide. “Kaycee! You’re brilliant!”

“I am?” she asked. “I mean, I am... but why now?”

“That’s a perfect idea! We plan the wedding… something simple to our liking. Then, we invite everyone to our ‘engagement party,’ and when they show up… SURPRISE! We’re getting married!”

“Wait… are you serious?”

“I’ll admit it’s unorthodox, but….”

“But I freaking love it!” Kaycee gushed.  

She jumped on Ethan’s lap before he knew what hit him. Peppering him with dozens of little kisses, the remnants of her pink lip gloss leaving slight kiss marks all over his face.

“Would you stop,” he chuckled. “We’re in public!”

“Ethan Jonah Ramsey! We have done far worse in public, and you know it! Do you really think we can do this?

“We can do whatever we want,” he assured. “I just have one request.”

“What’s that?”

“I want it to be soon. I’ve never seen the point in long engagements, and if we aren’t going to have a gala to prepare for, I see no need to delay.”

“Ethan Ramsey rushing to the alter,” she giggled. “Who could have predicted this?”

“OK, wiseass,” he smiled. “Stay on topic! Where should we have this? Mistral has a private room; we could look into that.”

“As much as I love Mistral, that is a little stuffier than I envision.”

“OK!” He snapped his fingers. “La Famiglia in North End, it’s one of your favorite places. It’s Italian, so your mother will be somewhat happy… it’s perfect!”

“It could be,” she pondered. “But I was thinking…Oh my God!” she gasped.

“What?”

“Our vacation! The house rental on the Cape!”

“We could do it there!” Ethan enthused.

“It’s perfect! Do you agree?”

“I agree… there’s only one problem.”

“What’s that?”

“Kaycee, it’s three weeks away.”

“So we better get moving,” she said, jumping from her chair. Let’s get into that air conditioning you were talking about. We have a wedding to plan.”

“You know,” he grinned as they walked toward the elevator. “This was all part of my master plan to get you inside.”

“Ethan?”

“Yes.”

“Hush.”

“Ah, it’s like we’re married already.”

Tagging separately.

[deliriousblue]

THE HEART KILLERS (2024) + tropes prior art by @hurlumerlu

+ bonus:

[moeblob]

I love Chris so much you guys.

[choicesapril2025]

Welcome to Choices April Challenge 2025

This time of year is symbolic of second chances, emotional growth, unexpected reunions, and reflection on what should have happened. This month's challenge invites you to explore renewal in all its forms—emotional, romantic, personal, or fantastical—through the lens of your favorite Choices characters and books.

Prompts:

After the Storm. A character returns home after everything has changed.

“I thought I’d never see you again.”

A reunion or relationship no one saw coming.

Spring Cleaning. A character finds something that sparks memories.

What If… They Never Broke Apart?

Your OTP finds their way back to each other.

The Letter They Never Sent or a secret confession that changes everything.

“I’m not who I used to be.”

New Hair, New Me: A small change symbolizes something bigger.

Set your fic during springtime, where nature mirrors emotion.

Forgiveness Isn’t Easy. Two characters try to rebuild trust.

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

Soft moments or a quiet, gentle renewal amid chaos.

New Beginnings, Old Feelings: Reuniting after years apart.

What Could Have Been: A character gets a glimpse of another path.

Learning to hope again. A character reopens their heart.

A Rebirth Arc – Physical, emotional, or magical transformation.

“You remind me of who I used to be.”

The start of something unspoken or a slow burn that finally catches fire.

One Last Chance. Whatever your MC or OC does next… changes everything.

Submission Guidelines:

Fanworks from all Choices books/series (and Pixelberry) universe are accepted.

You may submit any form of fanwork: fanfiction, fanart, headcanons, moodboards, edits, text fics, fan videos, playlists, etc.

Mention @choicesapril2025 in your post. Feel free to also tag my main @liaromancewriter.

Specify the prompt(s) used in the header, as well as book/series, characters/pairings; rating and genre/category if applicable.

All fanworks must be new, and anything posted before April won’t be accepted.

Late submissions will be accepted until May 3rd.

Prompt Use:

You can participate as many times as you can/want, including multiple submissions for the same prompt.

Use the prompts whenever you like and however you like. It’s not about a specific word but rather the creativity it inspires.

Feel free to mix and match/use prompts in the same fanwork; include this info in your header for reference.

Warnings and Labels:

If your work has mature or NSFW content, please label it as such and use appropriate warnings.

Please add a ‘read more’ page break to avoid long posts and hide sensitive content below the line. This prevents exposing other fans to triggering/disturbing or mature content.

Reblogs and Masterlists:

If I don’t reblog your work within 48 hours after it’s posted, send me a DM or submit an ask with the link to the post.

There will be one weekly masterlist categorized by book/series (depending on event participation).

If you have any questions, please let me know.

I look forward to seeing and sharing your wonderful creations. Good luck!

Tags: @choicesmonthlychallenge @choicesficwriterscreations

Signal boosts are appreciated!

[choicesficwriterscreations]

Celebrate YOUR Top 5 Creations of 2024

It's that time of year again where CFWC give you a chance to highlight your most popular fanworks -- Fanfics, Edits and Fanart -- on Tumblr (by notes) and the ones near and dear to your heart even if they didn't get the love they deserved, aka...

YOUR:

Tumblr Top 5

Creator Top 5

How to Participate

Tumblr Top 5:

Go to JetBlackCode Note Counter, enter your blog name and run the scan to identify the top 5 original posts by Notes in 2024. If the top post is not a fanfic, edit or fanart, find the next one that is.

Create a post with a list of links to your Top 5 most popular fanfics, edits and/or fanart this year. Please mention the Choices book/series associated with the creation.

Creator Top 5:

Select your favorite top 5 creations from this year, the ones you're most proud of and the ones you want to show extra love. They could also be your most popular, but don't have to be. Want to highlight a series? Go for it. YOU decide!

Create a post with a list of links to your Creator Top 5 in 2024. Please mention the Choices book/series associated with the creation.

Then What?

Tag @choicesficwriterscreations on the posts and use the tag #cfwc top 5 2024

We will reblog your Tumblr Top 5 and your Creator Top 5 posts within 48 hours, and add them to an event masterlist.

Tumblr tags can be wonky, so if you don't see the reblog, send an ask to this blog with the links to your posts or DM @liaromancewriter.

The event runs from December 1 - 31, 2024. The event masterlist will be posted shortly after.

Signal boosts are appreciated!

[liaromancewriter]

Sibling Day Roast

Premise: Cassie and Max go a bit overboard for National Sibling Day.

Fandom: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine); feat. Max Valentine (OC) and OPH Gang Format: Text & Pic Fic Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff.

A/N: Yesterday was National Sibling Day, and what better way to celebrate than with the Valentine Twins. Submission for @choicesapril2025 for the forgiveness prompt (loosely lol)

Part 1: The Roast

Part 2: The Aftermath

All Fics & Edits: @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @jerzwriter @kyra75 @lady-calypso @loreofyore @peonierose @potionsprefect @quixoticdreamer16 @snoopdogcone @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan & Cassie only: @custaroonie @youlookappropriate

[emmasmoke8]

Schedule aka COUNTDOWN UNTIL I’M GONE—

(I won’t be gone; I’ll just be really busy in a few months so we’re trying to finish everything)

This schedule will be updated as stories are finished

Monday/Wednesday/Friday (afternoon) - Once and Future King

Monday/Wednesday/Friday (night) - Secundus (bonus content)

Tuesday/Thursday (afternoon) - Chaos Heart

Tuesday/Thursday (night) - Miscellaneous (What Makes Us Who We Are, God AU, other fandoms, etc.)

Saturday (afternoon) - Entrusting the Future to You

Saturday/Sunday (night) - In This Twilight, Our Choices Seal Our Fates

Sunday (afternoon) - Lost to the Winds of Notos

Soon to be Finished: Secundus (bonus content), Chaos Heart, Miscellaneous

Far From Finished: Once and Future King; In This Twilight, Our Choices Seal Our Fates

(Entrusting the Future to You and Lost to the Winds of Notos are both designed to be ended at any moment without issue)

[potionsprefect]

Tribulations

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x Victoria Clarke

Word Count: 894

Summary: Whoever said pregnancy was easy?

Rating: General Audiences

Category: Fluff

It was one thing being pregnant with one baby, it was an entirely different experience being pregnant with two. Victoria had never felt so uncomfortable in her life. And it was made worse by the fact that it was the height of summer.

It had also made work much harder than she thought. She could barely get to the bed without her belly getting in the way so she retreated to her office and oversaw progress from there. She would only come to introduce herself to the patient and would allow the rest of the team to do the work. The only good thing she saw was that she could balance the clipboard on her now very large belly.

At this moment in time, Victoria was sat in her office, the air conditioning was on full blast and Victoria had not moved for several hours. The team had done their duty for the day and were left to see their own patients. Victoria had done the paperwork she needed to do and was taking a break. She knew it wasn’t good staying in the same position for long, but once she got in a comfortable position she decided not to get up again. Victorias didn’t dare look down at her ankles which she could feel were swollen.

“How long have you been like that?” A voice said from the door. Victoria didn’t need to look up to know it was Ethan and that he was rolling his eyes. She could tell by the tone of his voice.

“A while. Not that much can be done about it.” Victoria said.

Ethan chuckled. “I wouldn’t dare try and suggest anything.” He sat down at the end of the sofa. “Why is it so cold in here?”

“Because it’s 80 degrees outside and your children are making things more difficult for me.” Victoria said as she sat up.

“And that means you need to reduce the room to the conditions of the Antarctica?”

“It made me feel better.” Victoria shrugged.

“I can tell. Are you ready to leave? If we go now, we’ll beat the rush hour.” Ethan asked.

“Have you finished?” Victoria replied.

“Yes and if I stay here any longer, I will be accosted by medical students and I could not think of anything worse.”

“Well when you put it like that, how can I refuse.” Victoria laughed as Ethan helped her up off the sofa.

The drive home was fairly quick and in no time at all, Ethan and Victoria were walking through the front door being greeted by an overexcited Jenner. Victoria headed upstairs to get changed into her comfy clothes. As she tried to get them over her head, the material felt more stretchy than normal.

“Come on, just a bit more.” Victoria said as she tried to force the material over her stomach. “Oh you fit yesterday why don’t you fit now?” Victoria huffed as she pulled the items back over her head and onto the floor.

She caught a glimpse of her stomach, it did look bigger than what she saw yesterday but she hadn’t been paying that much attention. She found the next big thing she could find and headed back downstairs.

“Everything ok?” Ethan asked as he came in from

the garden.

“Kind of. Some of my most comfortable clothes don’t fit anymore even though they did yesterday! This pregnancy is throwing up so many surprises.” Victoria said sitting down on the sofa.

“None more so than finding out we were having twins.” Ethan laughed.

“I knew things would change but I didn’t realise it would happen so quickly! I think I’m going to need some new clothes.” Victoria sighed.

“Well it’s not like we can’t afford it. Although I thought we bought enough.” Ethan laughed.

“Turns out you can never have enough.”

“Well good luck finding the space. You might need to branch out.”

“Do you think it will get easier?” Victoria asked him.

“You know I can’t answer that. But hopefully for you it will. Shall we make a start on dinner?”

Victoria nodded and with the help of Ethan she got up off the sofa and headed into the kitchen.

“You know I can’t reach the top shelf.” Victoria laughed as she tried to grab one of the ingredients.

“Well that’s what I’m here for.” Ethan laughed.

“Normally I’d be more helpful and once these twins are here I’ll be back to normal. I really want this pregnancy to be over but I want them to be healthy first and foremost.”

“They will be. The constant aches and pains, swollen feet and bad moods will all be worth it when they are here. And our family will be complete.” Ethan smiled.

Deep down, Victoria knew Ethan was right. It was a medical in itself that she was blessed with not one baby but two. And whilst her and Ethan had decided to wait to tell everyone what the gender was when they were born, as doctors, they were able to easily tell what they were having.

It wouldn’t be long now before their baby boy and girl would be born. Whilst pregnancy was not the easiest journey, Victoria was trying to savour every moment possible.

She knew it would be over before she knew it. So she was going to soak up every moment possible.

Tag list: @ohchoices @swiftiexstarwarssimp @queencarb @choicesaddict5 @schnitzelbutterfingers @gryffindordaughterofathena @sophxwithers @romewritingshop @coffeeheartaddict2 @mm2305 @nikki-2406 @maurine07 @nishas-paradise @replayfootsteps @mainstreetreader @lsvdw-blog @kiara-36 @quixoticdreamer16 @headoverheelsforramsey @shanzay44 @itsjustamesshonestly @josiesopenheart @mysticalgalaxysstuff @custaroonie @ireneadlerisseggsy @takemyopenheart @kachrisberry @jamespotterthefirst @a-crepusculo @natureblooms24 @jerzwriter @wanderingamongthewildflowers @rosebudde @lucy-268 @liaromancewriter @bex-la-get @writer-ish @toadfrog26 @tessa-liam @peonierose @cariantha @kyra75 @snoopdogcone @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[cariantha]

Cupid Effed Up

Book: Open Heart, Book 1 Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: General Category: Fluffy Angst Word count: 1.8K Prompt: From @jerzwriter, “An intern year fic where someone leaves a heart-shaped box of chocolates for Sawyer, and Ethan tries to find out who it is… without anyone realizing he's doing it, and of course, he fails!" Song Inspiration: Stupid Cupid by Jenna Raine

Ethan’s ears perked up when he heard the crinkling of plastic, light footsteps, and soft sniffling just outside the door of Naveen’s secret location. When Sawyer pushed her way through the slightly ajar door, he took one look at her face, then two urgent strides forward to block her entry into the room. She stared up at him with a red-tipped nose, watery eyes, and swollen eyelids, and his hand immediately went to her forehead to check her temperature. 

“You can’t be here if you’re sick,” he admonished, his strong fingers now delicately massaging the underside of her jaw to check for swollen lymph nodes. 

She subtly shook her head, with his hands still cupping the sides of her neck. Her voice hoarse and nasally, she replied, “I know. I’m not sick.”  

Sawyer’s skin heated and flushed, but not from fever. Ethan’s intense gaze was too much for her itchy, burning eyes, and a tear trickled down her cheek. A swipe of his thumb caught it just before it rolled off her face.

“Did something happen? Did someone upset you?” he asked, unable to hide his protective instinct where she was concerned.

It had been a couple of weeks since their trip to Miami. The guilt of his actions weighed heavily on him. Guilt for allowing her to help in his desperate quest to save his mentor’s life, and especially for losing his control on the hotel room balcony. If Sawyer were to be harmed in any way, from gossip, accusation, or disciplinary action, because he had been too weak to resist her, he would never forgive himself. 

“No… it’s just the roses,” she answered breathlessly, overwhelmed by his concern. 

“Roses?” he repeated softly, his eyes lowering to her lips when she spoke.

“Yeah, I’m allergic. A few bouquets were delivered to the nurses’ station. They got to me when I was charting. That’s all.”

A loud, dry cough startled them. Ethan dropped his hands and took a large step back. Their attention snapped to the apologetic man lying in the bed with a handkerchief held to his mouth. 

Naveen shook his head, disappointed in himself. “Sorry, kids,” he wheezed, “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Ethan stopped at the nurses' desk midday, barking orders. He demanded that the floral arrangements decorating the countertop be removed immediately, reminding the nurses behind the desk that patients can be highly sensitive and that they were taking up too much space. 

Maureen apologized to the grumpy doctor and started toward the staff lounge with a vase full of red roses and baby’s breath. Danny was called to assist a patient, leaving Ethan alone at the circular desk to review his charts.

“Excuse me? I have a delivery for Dr. Sawyer Brooks. The receptionist in the lobby directed me to this floor.”

“She’s tied up with a patient at the moment.” Too curious to stop himself, Ethan offered to sign for the delivery. “I can make sure she gets it.” He signed the man’s tablet and was handed a large heart-shaped box of gourmet chocolates. “Who should I tell her they’re from?” he tried. 

“Sorry, sir, they don’t give me that info. But there’s a card attached.” The delivery person nodded to a small envelope taped to the box before returning the way he came. 

Sawyer suddenly appeared out of nowhere, reaching for a tissue to blow her nose. “Hey.” When she noticed the box of chocolates he was holding, her stomach twisted into an uncomfortable, jealous knot. “Treats from your Valentine?”  

“No, they’re actually for you,” Ethan answered. 

“Really?” Sawyer beamed brightly and came around the desk to stand in front of him. She removed the card from the envelope and read the note. 

Since you are allergic to roses… From a secret admirer

Her stomach was still twisted up, but now from an entirely different emotion. It felt a lot like hope. 

Sawyer tucked the card back into the envelope and slipped it into her lab coat pocket. Her fingers appreciatively grazed Ethan’s as she took the box from his grasp. “Thank you…” 

“Sorry to interrupt, but can you tell me where I can find room 510?” a young woman asked. "I have a delivery for…… Theresa Martinez.” 

Maureen intercepted as she returned. “I can take them to her,” she said before catching herself and turning to Ethan. “That is, if it’s okay with you, Dr. Ramsey?” 

Ethan grunted his approval and marched away. 

“I’ll move these others, Maureen,” Danny offered, having caught the tail end of the exchange. 

Sawyer turned to the nurses, reaching for another tissue. “What’s his deal with the flowers?” 

The nurses looked up at her blotchy face and then at each other with knowing smirks. Maureen looked back to Sawyer and answered, “He wants us to get rid of the flowers because some people are highly sensitive.”   

💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝

Mid-afternoon, Sawyer took a break in the lounge with her roommates. Sienna and Jackie picked their favorites from her enormous box of chocolates.

“A secret admirer? I bet they’re from Bryce,” Sienna quickly guessed. “That boy has it bad for you.” 

“The scalpel jockey?” Jackie rolled her eyes. “Please. He’d more likely give her a coupon book offering his services.” 

“Oh, what about Rafael? He’s such a sweetheart,” Sienna gushed. “When was the last time you guys went out?”

“It was before the holidays, and it’s not like that between us. We’re just friends.” 

“My money is on Landry,” Jackie said, popping a truffle into her mouth, “that weirdo puts off serious secret admirer slash stalker vibes.” 

Sienna laughed out loud, and Sawyer rolled her eyes.  

The air shifted when their attending stomped into the room to wash his coffee mug, giving them a menacing get-back-to-work glare. Sienna and Jackie promptly got the message and scurried away, but Sawyer just rolled her eyes again. He didn’t intimidate her anymore.  

“Eth- I mean, Dr. Ramsey, do you want a chocolate or two before I put them away?” 

“No, thank you.” The thought of eating something another man had gifted her made his stomach sour. 

“Are you feeling okay today?” Sawyer teased as she put the lid back on the box. “You never turn down chocolate.” 

He didn’t answer. 

“O-kay, then. I’m going to return these to my locker and get back to work. See ya later, boss.”

When Ethan finished at the sink, he turned and spotted the lab coat left behind. Even if he hadn’t known Sawyer was sitting in that seat, he’d have known it was hers from the subtle hint of beach-scented body spray. It was a scent that now tortuously conjured memories of a moonlit ocean, swaying coconut palms, fresh sea breeze, and the subtle taste of salt in the air. And on her lips. 

It was a night he regretted. However, he couldn’t decide if he regretted it more for what did or didn’t happen. 

Ethan draped the coat over his arm. He would catch up to her in the locker room. But as he stepped toward the door, a little devil appeared on his shoulder with another idea, and giving in to temptation, he reached into the pocket of the white coat.  

Despite the impossibility of their situation, the thought of her affections shifting to another was a hard pill to swallow- a pill that no amount of vending machine candy could make better. Hesitating, with the small envelope pinched between his fingers, he silently debated with the evil voice whispering in his ear. 

As he was about to lose the argument, Sawyer appeared in the doorway. “I forgot my lab coat…” 

When her eyes fixed on the card in his hand, he passed it to her. “I found this on the floor. Must have slipped from of your pocket,” he lied. 

💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌

At the end of her shift, Sawyer snuck behind the plastic entrance of the construction zone. She brought her box of chocolates to share with Naveen, knowing the small treats would brighten his day. Finding him napping, she set her things down and left to find fresh bed linens. 

Ethan entered the off-limits hospital room a few minutes later. While he was checking Naveen’s vitals, something behind the patient monitor caught his eye. It was that taunting heart-shaped box. 

Glancing at Naveen to ensure he was still asleep, Ethan stepped up to where the box sat atop the overbed table. The corner of an envelope peeked out just underneath. He began to lift the box when he was startled.

"You can have a piece if you want," he heard from behind.

Sawyer stood smiling in the doorway, a stack of clean sheets and blankets in her hands.

"Oh, uh... thanks… I was just checking to see if they had nuts," he lied for the second time today. Trying to spin up a joke, he added, "Given your allergy history, I just wanted to know if I should track down an EpiPen.”

"You and I both know neither of us is allergic, so..."

Shit. He should have said he was looking for the descriptions of what’s inside each chocolate. “Fine. You caught me. I was curious to know who they were from," he confessed.

Disappointment painted her face. "Oh. I thought they were from you," she said, digging for the card in her pocket. The card on the table was a friendly Valentine’s Day card for Naveen that Sawyer had picked up in the gift shop.

“Why did you think that?” Ethan asked, trying not to sound like a jerk.

“I mean, you handed me the box and said they were for me, and when I read the note… I just assumed…” she trailed off, confused. She pulled the card from the envelope, reread it, and handed it to Ethan. 

As his eyes scanned the notecard, Sawyer caught Naveen cracking an eyelid open just enough to spy on them.

"You! You little stinker," she laughed, grabbing his foot and shaking it gently. “Are you my secret Valentine?”

Ethan spun around to see his mentor shrugging. 

After changing the bed linens and helping Ethan get Naveen settled for the evening, Sawyer said her goodbyes. When she asked Ethan if she’d see him later at Donahue’s, he answered with a disappointing “Maybe.” A stiff drink was what the doctor ordered, but he wasn’t sure it was worth the torture of watching other men hit on her all night.  

Naveen studied Ethan as he sank into the bedside chair. His mentee closed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose, and sighed deeply.

Ethan grumbled in annoyance, “Why would you do that?” 

“Do what, son?” 

“Get her hopes up…” 

“Because Cupid made a perfect match for you,” Naveen smiled. “I was just encouraging it.”

“Yeah, well, don’t.”

“Why not?”

Ethan stood up and walked to the door. Before closing it behind him, he glanced over his shoulder and said, “Because Cupid fucked up. He brought me someone I can’t have.” 

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

A/N: With my interests shifting, any more OH fics I write will be for personal enjoyment and escape moving forward. While I sincerely appreciate each and every ❤️ and reblog I've ever received, especially when I first started writing, it's not about that for me anymore. And as much as I want to continue supporting other OH writer friends by reading and reblogging, I want to be honest and admit that my heart's not in it as much. From this point forward, I will only tag the Choices and OH fanfic directories for those who still enjoy reading new OH fics or have yet to fall in love with a grumpy doctor and find their way to this little corner of the world.😊

[arsenicflame]

steddyhands modern au inspired by this post:

(1828 words, themes of kink but nothing explicit, established blackhands & gentlebeard-centric. Happy Pride!)

Stede picks up leatherworking in the wake of his divorce. He's not exactly sure how it ended up being such an important hobby for him, only that he had always admired the intricate designs on his horse's best bridles, and with little else to do with his time, he decides to give it a go.

It's rocky going at first, but he's having fun working with his hands for the first time in his life, and there's a sense of satisfaction in seeing the design come to life as he works. With practice, his skills improve, and he learns how to make things that are truly one of a kind.

He starts off posting his pieces online, as a way to reach fellow enthusiasts, but quickly finds himself with a rather large audience. Stede’s style is unique, and, after many requests from his followers, Lucius encourages him to make some more basic pieces he can sell. It's not about making money for Stede, but another way to meet new people who share his interests- as Lucius keeps telling him, it's sad that his personal assistant is the main person he talks to these days. 

So Stede sets out on a new adventure, and has quite the time designing a new range of patterns for the market. He makes purses, belts, bracelets, and, most importantly, dog collars- all still with his unique designs embossed into them, of course. He rents a booth at his towns monthly craft fair, and very quickly finds himself with a new group of friends in the other regulars- Pete, his usual neighbour, who sells an array of wooden figures he carves, Roach, who runs a stand for his bakery, and Frenchie, who isn't actually a stallholder, but is almost always busking near his friend Wee John’s stand of knitted goods, bringing life to the market even in the pouring rain. There's also Buttons, another regular at the market. Nobody is exactly sure what he does there- he doesn't sell things, or seem to buy anything either, but rain or shine, he's there with the birds.

Stede’s been doing this a few months by the time June rolls around. As he's setting up his stand, he notices that the area is much busier than it’d normally be at this time of morning. Lucius, who got roped into helping run Stede’s stall somewhere down the line (despite his protests that this is not what personal assistant means… But hey, he got a boyfriend out of it, at least), reminds him that there's the parade today, too- not realising that Stede had no clue there was a parade today, and especially not that it was pride. Stede immediately jumps to fretting about the amount of stock he’s brought, and Lucius takes the cue to escape, saying he’ll go and grab them coffee (but really, he's off to flirt with Pete)

Lucius is still missing when Ed stumbles across the little leather stall. Stede’s just ran back to his car to fetch his last boxes of inventory, and by the time he returns, Ed’s already begun to narrow down his choices. Stede greets him, starting to tell him that they're not actually open yet, but before he gets more than a couple of words out, Ed’s exclaiming “You're a Kiwi!!!”

The two of them smile at the shared recognition, and Stede says he’ll make an exception, just for Ed, and asks him what exactly he was interested in. Ed tells him that he's looking for a collar “for his boy”, and points out the particular design he was looking at. It happens to be one of Stede’s favourites from this latest run of work, a fact he mentions to Ed. It leads them into a discussion about Stede’s craft, and Ed’s Izzy, and then everything in between. Ed’s listening intently to the things Stede’s telling him, completely drawn in by the process, and by Stede himself. He watches as Stede stamps Izzy's name into the collar, and Stede even lets him have a go at one of the stamps. 

Lucius reappears sometime in the middle of this- only to immediately retreat again, seeing Stede engrossed with Ed. He sets up camp at Pete's booth opposite, watching this man flirt intensely with his boss- and Stede flirt back just as hard. Does Stede even realise he’s doing it? Lucius had known Stede was gay since before Stede even admitted it to himself, but this is on a whole other level.

The pair stand there so long that Izzy comes to look for Ed- the two of them are manning a float on the parade with their crew, and it's past time for them to get geared up. He's already worked up, frustrated to have been left to set up everything alone, when Ed had just gone to see if he could get them both coffee. So maybe he's a bit of a prick, approaching with a brash “where the fuck have you been, Edward”, to which Stede brings the same energy, giving a bitchy “Ed! Do you know this guy?” Izzy tenses, ready to snap, but then Ed cuts in, excitedly telling Stede that this is “his Izzy!” Which confuses the hell out of Stede. 

Forgetting his earlier attitude, he asks Ed if he “really named his dog after his friend”, only to be met with confusion right back from Ed at where the hell Stede got the idea he had a dog from. Stede gestures at the bag with the collar in it, to which Ed has to tell him, “oh, no, that's for him.” Ed tells Stede that they're here to run a float for their local leather society, and while Stede is certainly shocked by what Ed’s saying, he's not finding himself… uninterested. It's simply that he’s never even considered any of this before, especially not that people would use the things that he made for this, but Ed sounds so enthusiastic about it all. He tells him about how his friends would love to see Stede’s work, about how classic leather gear is always so fucking boring- but not Stede’s stuff, no, Stede’s stuff is “fresh” and “fascinating” and unlike anything Ed’s ever seen before. 

Ed's enthusiasm is incredibly infectious, so when he invites Stede to come back to see their float, he readily agrees. It’s a concept Izzy’s less than enthusiastic about. He doesn’t really want to bring this man who’s dressed like he just walked out of a HOA board meeting to their kinky little corner of the world, but he is having a lot of fun watching Stede squirm, so decides not to raise a protest. He does demand he gets his long-overdue coffee first, though (Stede pays for it- as “compensation for him distracting Ed from his job”, he says, not giving Izzy a second to process before he's tapping his card)

By the time they return to the float, Fang, Ivan & Jim are waiting for them, all already geared up. Stede is stunned silent at the sight for about 5 seconds, before he starts actually looking at the quality of Jim’s harness, and proceeds to go off about the poor quality of the craftsmanship, about how the hardware is tacky and completely the wrong choice with this leather, how his “ten year old daughter could do a better job!!!” 

There's complete silence from the group, until Izzy, of all people, bursts into laughter at Stede’s audacity (and, the fact he was staring at Jim's tits completely unabashedly, like he hadn't even noticed them in the first place). Izzy's laughter sets Ed off as he tells the group about Stede’s misunderstanding- “you didn't say he was a person!” “I mean, he's my dog”- and soon everyone's having a friendly giggle at Stede’s mistake.

It's somewhere in the middle of the retelling that Ed remembers that this whole thing happened because he was buying Izzy a gift. After a moments fumbling, he presents Izzy with the collar-  It's a rich, deep black, embossed with a rolling pattern that resembles waves. It’s made from a firm enough leather to take the tooling, and to remind Izzy that he’s owned while he’s wearing it, yet still soft enough for long term comfort. Izzy's eyes immediately lock on to it, an unreadable expression coming over his face, and Ed turns it; first so he can really see the design and Izzy’s name embossed into it, and then so he can see the small “Ed ♥” on the inside of the collar, right over his swallow tattoo. 

“I did the heart,” Ed says to him softly, intended only for Izzy’s ears. Izzy's eyes flick up to Ed’s, and he raises his chin to give Ed the room to put it on. Ed buckles the collar around his neck almost reverently, a test of the tightness turning into a caress of Izzy's neck. It's a perfect fit.

It's as though something comes over Izzy; so twitchy and abrasive earlier, now silent, staring at Ed with a look akin to worship in his eyes. He obediently tilts his head for a kiss as Ed's fingers move to his chin- It's a sight to behold, and one that has Stede intrigued. He wants to know more about this lifestyle, and these men in particular. He wants to be the one to put that expression on Izzy's face.

The moment breaks as Ed and Izzy pull apart, and Ed calls for the crew to finish the last bits of set up. Izzy shakes himself a little before running off to bark orders again, but even still, there remains a softness to him that wasn't there before. 

Ed turns back to Stede with an apologetic smile, already obvious that he has to get going. Before he can speak, however, Stede jumps in -“My business numbers on the card in the box… I'll be around all day”- Ed’s smile turns more genuine at that, promising to stop by if he gets a moment, and that he’ll send his friend's Stede’s way- “if he wants that kind of business.” Stede says that he does, actually- that he's seen a whole new world already today, and, while he was a little taken aback at first, he can feel the passion Ed and his friends have for this life. If there's one thing that's ever mattered to Stede, it's other people's enthusiasm. Maybe he doesn't completely understand yet, but he would like to try.

One year later, Stede’s back at the market on pride weekend again, far better stocked for the crowds this time around. Lucius is finally free to spend the day flirting with Fang & Pete to his heart's content, now that Stede’s roped his own boyfriends into helping him run the stall- and into modelling the merchandise. Ed loves that part, while Izzy needs a lot more convincing, but the puppy eyes Stede & Ed weaponise against him make a very good argument.

[jerzwriter]

Back to @creativepromptsforwriting's 30-Day Challenge - Day 18 took me a little longer than anticipated. The prompt was "Use the title of the last song you listened to. "My last song was Ed Sheeran's Old Phone, which gave me the opportunity to get my angst on again - and I have to admit - I enjoyed it!

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Kaycee MacClennan (F!MC) Featuring: Tobias Carrick Rating: Teen Words: ~3,000 (sorry!)

Summary: While rummaging through a junk drawer, Ethan stumbles upon an old phone. He decides to charge it and take a trip down memory lane - but are some memories best left in the past?

Also participating in @choicesmonthlychallenge's May Mayhem - prompts: Regret and Confession

30-Day Challenge Masterlist | Full Masterlist

It was already dark when Ethan closed his office door, that time of day when even Edenbrook's hectic halls settled into a quiet hum. It had been a long day, and as he stepped into the elevator with his coat slung over his arm, he was relieved to leave it behind him. But just as the doors began to slide shut, a familiar voice shattered the peace.

“Ethan!”

A hand slid between the doors, forcing them open, and Dr. Tobias Carrick stepped in. Ethan sighed, not with disdain, but unmistakable annoyance. If Tobias noticed, he didn't care, as he leaned against the elevator wall with his usual swagger and a curious grin on his lips.

“Where have you been? I’ve been trying to catch you all day. I wanted to see how the date went last night.”

Ethan pressed the button for the ground floor, eager to end this conversation as quickly as he could. “It was fine,” he muttered, hoping that would suffice, even though he knew better.

“Fine?” Tobias replied with a raised brow. “That’s it?”

“Yes, it was - fine.”

Tobias shook his head. “Trina is beautiful. She’s smart, charming, she loves opera for Christ's sake. I would have gone for it myself,” he smirked, as if that result would have been a foregone conclusion, “but I hooked you up instead, because you're a perfect match, and the best you can do is... fine?”

“She’s lovely,” Ethan admitted, slipping on his coat. “But no.”

“No?” Tobias repeated. “You're really using your words today, big guy. Why, no?”

A moment of silence passed as Ethan thought of a dozen excuses he could offer, but Tobias had been his friend long enough to know when he was lying, so he decided to go with the truth.

“Because I’m still in love with someone else.”

The low humming sound of the elevator suddenly felt much louder, and Tobias placed a sympathetic hand on his friend's shoulder.

“Buddy, you know that she’s gone, right?”

A lump formed in Ethan’s throat. “Yeah,” he replied, his voice tense. “I know.”

A bell rang before the doors slid open, and the old saying ‘saved by the bell’ took on a new meaning for Ethan. “Good night, Tobias,” he said as he rushed out, leaving his sullen friend behind.

~~~~~

Several hours later, Ethan was alone in his Back Bay condo, a single log crackling in the fireplace his sole companion. He tried to unwind with a glass of Macallan in his hand and a melodic jazz ensemble playing in the background. But the night moved on at a snail's pace, just like all the years that came before it. He reached for the bottle again, a curse falling from his lips when he found it empty.

Grumbling under his breath, he made his way to the kitchen and opened a cabinet where he kept a few unopened bottles - an emergency supply for moments like this. He pulled a Glendronach he’d been saving and rifled through a nearby drawer looking for the foil cutter when his hand brushed something he couldn't place.

Curiously, he pulled the object out, then stood in silence: his old iPhone, scuffed around the edges. He hadn’t seen it in nearly a decade. He almost forgot that it existed, but apparently, he never let it go, just like so many things from his past.

He didn't know if he should do it— he knew some things were best left in the past—but compelled by something he couldn’t name, he found himself plugging in the phone and waiting patiently as the screen slowly came to life. Then, a standard-issue screensaver transported him back to another place and time.

He entered a passcode—fortunately, it was the same one he used today—and then decided to take the plunge, swiping up as old messages filled the screen like little ghosts visiting from his past.

The first one was from Naveen.

“Ethan, you’re the only one who understands how much this frightens me. Thank you for being there.”

His chest tightened, and tears prickled at his eyes despite his best efforts to stop them. But seeing their last conversations again proved to be more painful than he could have imagined. There were updates on his treatment plan, friendly advice, terrible jokes, and gratitude—so much unending, mutual gratitude. Then there was the selfie Naveen sent from his hospital bed, he was doing his best to make a silly face through the pain. His final message was just below it—a message Ethan had left unread until now.

“I’m proud of you, Ethan. I didn't say it often enough, but you brought joy to my life every day. Promise me you’ll keep moving forward. Be happy, son, because time passes faster than you think. Thank you for making my life a brighter place.”

Ethan shuddered, his eyes clenching shut, as the hollow space left in his heart after Naveen passed grew larger. There were days when Ethan truly wondered if there would be anything left but chambers left vacant by those in the past—spaces that no one else could ever fill.

He waited several moments before turning back. The following message was from his father, Alan.

Their messages were strained back then - kind, but lacking the warmth they share today. A smile spread on his face because he knew - he knew exactly who he had to thank for that. But these old messages were mostly about arguments over things that should have been long buried, with lengthy stretches of silence in between.

"So much wasted time..." he said aloud. He grabbed his current phone and sent a text at once:

“I miss you, Dad. Let’s make plans for the weekend.”

He knew Alan was already asleep, but that didn’t matter. It would be a pleasant surprise when he woke up. Then, it was back to his trip down memory lane - or self-imposed torture - it could have been either of the two.

He pulled up the next thread, and that's when his heart nearly stopped.

Kaycee.

So many years had passed since he last saw her, but time never changed how the mere sight of her name could stop his world from spinning on its axis. He scrolled up to the very first message she ever sent.

“Just testing the number. I promise I’ll only use it for emergencies. But I want you to know that I’m here if you need someone. I know tonight was hard.”

The memories flooded his mind. She sent that text the night his friend, Dolores, died at the hospital while under their care. Kaycee never left his side. He had never given his number to an intern before that, and, even then, he questioned his judgment, but Kaycee was right; it had been a hard night, and something inside him had shifted.

Only use this if you absolutely have to. He told her, but she sent that first message just a few hours later, because she knew he needed someone, even if he didn’t know it himself. Her heart was always much bigger than his rules.

He could have stopped there, but he couldn’t keep himself from reading more – all of their texts reading like a storybook of their time together. Messages from when they were clandestinely treating Naveen. His vitals, lab results, stupid jokes she sent as an attempt to cheer him up, and the embarrassing stories Naveen was all too eager to share.

“Naveen told me you fainted when you administered your first injection in med school. That can’t be true, can it?” “Remind me to talk to Naveen. He’ll need to sign an NDA if he expects me to continue treating him.” “Ha! I’d still get it out of him!”

And she’s right. She would have.

He pulled up the phone’s camera roll, knowing precisely what picture he longed to see – and there it was. Kaycee at the medical conference they attended in Miami - it seemed like a lifetime ago. He smiled as his fingers traced the image on the screen - that navy blue gown had nearly knocked him off his feet, and seeing it again brought him back.

Back to that balcony where the sound of crashing waves was so loud, you'd swear they were only a few feet away. He could taste the warm, salty air and see her emerald green eyes gazing at him with more love and adoration than he rightfully deserved.

He didn't want it to happen - but it was inevitable - and it took just one kiss for the rest of the world to fade away. It felt like every mismatched puzzle piece that made up his life was finally coming together –  a cosmic event when the planets finally aligned according to a master plan – but, as quickly as it surrendered, he pulled away.

He sent her a text message the next day as he sat in the hotel room, and she traipsed around Miami, going anywhere and everywhere to escape him.

“I’m so sorry, Kaycee. You’re beautiful...brilliant. You deserve the whole world. But I was wrong last night, and I won’t let that happen again.”

“Got it."

Was all she replied - then the silence stretched for weeks.

He tried to avoid her, but somehow, it never worked. There was the text he sent her the morning after he took her to the opera in a desperate attempt to lift her spirits. The night that ended with another searing kiss in his private box – a box he never stepped into without thinking of her again – even to this day.  

“Kaycee, we can’t keep doing this.”

“I know. But I don’t want to stop, Ethan, and I know you don't either. You mean so much to me... we have to find a way.”

There were dozens more texts –each more raw and honest than the next – well, at least the ones from Kaycee were. Then there was one from June that would change the trajectory of his life. Destroying him with just eight words:

“It’s confirmed. Kaycee’s in there. She was exposed.”

That night would haunt him forever. No matter how hard he tried, he could never erase the memory of kneeling awkwardly beside her, the hazmat suit crinkling with every move. He whispered the words he should have said long before, but sometimes the worst possible thing has to happen to render one's vision clear.

He told her he loved her and begged her to fight. For him-for them-she needed to stay and never leave his side again... and she listened. She survived, Ethan administering the life-saving injection the next morning, and their world changed for the better.

After, their messages were filled with all the love and passion expected from a secret love affair—a love that was beautiful, messy, and divine. It ushered in a light unlike any he had ever known.

“Have I told you how much I adore waking up in your arms?” She wrote.

“About as much as I adore having you there.”

“Promise me this will never end, " she begged. "Please, promise me this is only our beginning.”

He replied in an instant.

“Of course it is. Something this precious can never go away.”

It was real, and they were happy. So happy. They merely had to keep it quiet until her residency was over. A task that sounded far easier than it was, but they reminded each other it would be worth it... until something inside him began to change. i

“Just four more months! Then I can walk out of work with you, hand in hand, and plant the biggest kiss on your cheek!  I can’t wait to let the whole world know how much I love you, Ethan!”

He didn’t reply.

Why didn’t he reply?

After that, each message began to signal the end.

“Why did you cancel our dinner on Saturday?  We were supposed to talk. I really need you, Ethan. I have offers from Hopkins, UCSF, Cedars-Sinai…but they need answers soon. I want to talk to you before I decide.”

“You don’t need me to decide, Rookie. Follow your gut - it will tell you what the best move is. I’m so proud of you, Kaycee. I always knew you were going to change the world, and just look at you! You are.”

“I appreciate that, Ethan, but being proud of me isn't what I need right now."

“What do you need?”

“I need you to tell me to stay. Edenbrook gave me an offer, too. Tell me my future is here, in Boston, with YOU. I want a reason to stay.”

He shut his eyes, disgusted with himself.

Hours passed. Hours. He could just picture her, nervously biting her lip, her wavy, blonde hair tied into a messy bun above her furrowed brow as she checked her phone incessantly... waiting. How could he have let hours pass? Why would he do that to her?

Then – the worst decision he ever made – right there – saved to haunt him for all time and posterity.

“I can’t do that, Kaycee. Your future - your career needs to dictate your choice, not me. I care about you too much to stand in the way of that.”

He thought he was being noble. Putting her career and her needs before his own. At least that was the lie he repeated to himself like a mantra. But Kaycee cut through it, her reply instantaneous.

“You told me you loved me, Ethan. You said I was your world. Has that changed? Don’t you want me to stay? Please, tell me you haven't changed your mind."

He never answered.

Months passed before he received the last text she’d ever send. She was settling into her new place in LA – two thousand, five hundred miles away in an apartment he’d never see – beginning a life he’d never be part of. He was sitting in his office when it arrived – the very place they had shared so many conversations, spent late nights solving cases, and sometimes, doing much more. Now, he was by himself as he read:

“I wanted to let you know I arrived in LA and I’m settling into my new place. It’s really beautiful, but it’ll be a while before it feels like home – if it ever does at all. I’m going to do my best to move forward – it's not like I have a choice. I'll start fresh and embrace the next chapter, but it’s going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I wanted to thank you, Ethan, for everything you’ve ever done for me. You were my mentor, my sounding board, and so, so much more. You taught me to be brave and never back down from what I wanted most in life. I only wish you had been strong enough to take your own advice. I wish I could say we'll keep in touch, perhaps learn to be friends. But I can’t. Just seeing your name still breaks me inside, and the idea of hearing your voice with an entire country between us moves me to tears. You were the one for me, Ethan, I know that. And I truly believed I was the one for you. I'll never understand how we ended up here. I’m going to need space to heal, so please don’t reach out to me. Perhaps I’ll contact you one day, if I ever feel strong enough, but in case that day never comes, I need you to know that I loved you with all my heart, Ethan, and I always, always will. I wish you the best. Please remember me - Kaycee"

And he never heard from her again.

He sat in the dark for a long time, his hand shaking around the phone he clutched as if it were a lifeline. He thought about all the times he wanted to call her, and found every excuse not to.  

He remembered the pain of losing, the lonely nights when it became so unbearable that he tried to lose himself in others, but no one's touch would ever feel right, and his name only belonged on her lips.

He saw her name in medical journals on occasion, sometimes a photo from a conference where she gave a keynote speech, and he was amazed at how her smile could still melt his heart. He hoped – sometimes even prayed – that she had healed, because he already accepted that he never would.

Time marched on, and with each year that passed, breaking the silence seemed harder. He hadn’t even put her number in his new phone, but Kaycee MacClennan would never be a part of his past. She lived beside him every single day. A ghost who walked through the rooms of his mind, reminding him of what his life could have been if he hadn’t been such a coward.

He finally willed himself to stand. He extinguished the fire and headed to bed, but sleep wouldn’t come. He stared at the space where she used to sleep - just like the space she had taken in his heart, it would never again be filled.

He tossed and turned for hours, then finally sat up and turned on the light. He grabbed his phone and entered her number – he didn’t need to look it up, it was committed to memory. And then, he wrote:

I  never wanted you to leave Boston. I just didn’t know how to say that without feeling like I was stealing your future. I wanted to follow you to LA, but back then, I didn’t believe I deserved you. I should have told you. I can't tell you how many messages I started over the years, but I deleted every single one. The truth is, you’re the only woman I've ever loved, Kaycee. You were the one for me: then, now, and forever. I'll never stop grieving the fact that I let you go.

You don't have to write back. I don’t expect a response. I just felt you were owed the truth, even if it’s coming years too late.

I hope you found happiness, because no one deserves it more than you. Just know, I never stopped loving you, and I never will. Ethan

He hit send quickly, before he lost his nerve. He slid the phone into the nightstand, shut off the light, and clutched the pillow that should’ve been hers. Then he cried—fully, freely - letting it all out. It was something he should’ve done years ago.

~~~~~

It was a little after midnight in Los Angeles. Kaycee’s nighttime routine hadn’t changed in all these years – shower, watch Jimmy Fallon, then off to bed.

The television was dark, and she had just slipped under the covers when her phone vibrated across the room. She let out a soft groan. She should check it—it could be important—but she was exhausted. If it's urgent, they'll reach out again, she reasoned as she shifted under the comforter and closed her eyes. Sleep was all that mattered now, and the message could wait until the morning.

[lilymoonlily]

4k words Timebomb hurt/comfort smut-ish oneshot coming your way tomorrow Arcanians - or whatever the fuck our fandom name is

[connorgavinarmy]

Drabble Challenge Day 21: Choice

The Drabble Challenge by: @thedrabblecollective Day 21 Prompt: Choice Fandom: Detroit: Become Human Characters: Connor, Hank Anderson, Gavin Reed (mentioned)

---

“Am I being too patient with Detective Reed, Hank?”

“You call grabbing each other’s collars and throwing punches being patient?”

Connor looked sheepish. “That was one time. Or twice.”

“Three times this month,” Hank sighed.

He knew Connor had been struggling with emotions. Repressed anger and ego underneath that polite exterior.

That’s what made Connor dangerous.

And Gavin Reed wasn’t helping.

“Making a choice to be kind despite being able to destroy is true strength, Connor,” Hank quietly said.

Connor considered that carefully.

“But I don’t mind you sending pics from your next fight.”

The pillow hit Hank’s face hard.

📷 (c) Dan Burton

[snoopdogcone]

I came across the Choices app way later than most and completely fell for Open Heart long after the series had ended. I wish I had been here when fanfics were dropping left and right because it sounds like it was an amazing time. Since things have slowed down, I’ve been diving into master lists from some of my favorite writers and picking fics at random from @openheartfanfics.

But I’d love some help! If anyone's still around, could you send me some recommendations? Writers who are still here, I’d love to hear about your old favorites. And if you have fics from other writers that you still think about, send those my way too! I know most people have moved on, but I’m still completely hooked. Thanks

[choicesficwriterscreations]

CFWC F/AtoW: April 6 - 12, 2025

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

OPEN HEART

Country Roads ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @jerzwriter

Love In Every Heartbeat - Continued (Series) ✒️ | Rafael Aveiro x F!MC - @rafasgirl23415 Chapter 64: The Race Against Time as October Fades Chapter 67: Holding On To Hope

Making a Hobby Out of It ✒️ | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter

Sibling Day Roast 📱 | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC; F!MC & M!OC - @liaromancewriter

THE ROYAL ROMANCE

Forevermore (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️ | King Marquise Rys x F!MC - @khoicesbyk Chapter 15: Darkest Day

The Highway Man: Aftermath ✒️Ⓜ️ | Drake Walker x F!MC - @angelasscribbles

[liaromancewriter]

Sinful Fantasies

Premise: Cassie has inappropriate thoughts about her boss.

Fandom: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen+ / Mature. Fluff. Words: 765

A/N: Submission for @choicescommunityevents June Challenge prompt "Mystery"

The hallways of Boston’s Edenbrook Hospital were never quiet, certainly not near the end of a shift. Tired residents shuffled on leaden feet, eager to sign out and hand over their patients to the night team so they could go home and crash. Others just wanted to unwind with a beer and a game of pool at Donahue’s—an airlock between work and home.

Cassie Valentine, a first-year resident, was doing a third thing: waiting for her attending to finish reviewing the patient chart and dismiss her for the day.

She should’ve been focused on work, but her mind—and her eyes—were squarely locked on her attending’s hands.

She’d never really noticed a man’s hands before. But for some reason—either from exhaustion or hormones, given where she was in her cycle—she was fascinated by Dr. Ethan Ramsey’s.

Long fingers with short, clipped nails. An elegant wrist with light hair peeking out from under the cuff of his dress shirt and white coat. She liked that he wasn’t too hairy; at least, from what she’d seen when he took off his shirt for the fMRI scan a few weeks ago.

As his fingers, holding the pen, trailed down the patient chart he was reviewing, her tired mind drifted to that secret place in her head where her most inappropriate thoughts lived. Lately, they’d all been about this handsome yet austere man who had captured her attention from day one.

Instead of the chart, she imagined Ethan (she couldn’t very well call him Dr. Ramsey in her sexual fantasies, could she?) stroking the sensitive skin of her inner thighs, leaving trails of tingling nerve endings in their wake.

The soft lighting cast everything in shadows—black and white, like a scene from a noir film. Mysterious, with a hint of danger. Their love was forbidden, existing only in the hedge maze of her mind, where their status wasn’t an obstacle.

In this world, her body was drenched in want, hips lifting off tangled bedsheets, silently begging him closer. But he resisted her wordless pleas, a low chuckle escaping as a wicked grin tugged at his lips—those hands of his continuing their slow torment, setting her body ablaze.

He was a paradox—aloof and serious in public, but in private, when it was just the two of them, he embodied every wicked fantasy her imaginative mind could conjure.

She longed for their trysts the way a wandering nomad longs for water in the desert, recalling things they never did.

Messy kisses under neon lights. Lingering touches that haunted her dreams. And the way he worshipped her body was practically religious. No one before or since had ever cracked the locks surrounding her heart the way he did.

He reached for the pen, uncapping it with his teeth, then held it above her, one brow raised in silent question. In that moment, Cassie would’ve given him anything he asked for.

Her nails raked down his biceps, gripping tight—desperate—as her lips parted, panting with every touch. In her mind, she watched as he traced the letters along the inside of her thigh…

Mine.

The loud clearing of Dr. Ramsey’s throat was as effective as a bucket of cold water. Whatever would’ve happened next in her fantasy would forever remain a mystery.

A pink blush crept up her cheeks as Cassie glanced up at the man who had just played the starring role in her not-safe-for-work thoughts. Her breathing was labored now for an entirely different reason—one she prayed he wouldn’t comment on.

He looked at her expectantly, and she flushed even deeper as she realized she hadn’t heard a single word he’d said. Her mind scrambled for an appropriate response but came up blank.

“Never mind,” Dr. Ramsey muttered, clearly annoyed by her inattention. “Just make sure the nursing staff is updated on the patient’s latest numbers before you sign out.”

Cassie exhaled in relief, watching his white coat snap behind him as he strode down the hallway. If it hadn’t been so late—and if he weren’t distracted by Naveen’s case—that could’ve gone a lot worse.

Locking away her longings in the vault of her mind, she turned and walked off, deliberately taking the long way to the residents’ locker room. She wasn’t ready to face anyone, not until the sinful fantasies in her head had faded completely.

She walked on, the echo of her footsteps the only sound—until the next shift, the next chart, the next stolen glance she’d try not to want as much as she did.

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