#dr ethan ramsey x mc

[hopelessromantic1352]

Lockdown

This is based on OH 2. After I replayed it, I realized how I would’ve actually liked to see the book progress through the maitotoxin attack between Ethan and MC. I’m thinking I’ll try to post one or two more that follow the same storyline. Maybe a mini series? We’ll see. Also, hello Tumblr 😆 it’s been a minute.

Warnings: mentions death, poisoning, sickness

Word count: 2,068

Tags: @perriewinklenerdie @shelivesinthewoods @miss-indecisive-says @alj4890 @naffeesaa @hija-del-universo @confessionsofabrokegirl @usuallyamazinglyaverage @radlovedreamland-blog @lilyoffandoms @cordoniaqueensworld @carreraleigh @ethanplaysfavorites @amillionmoonsred @princess-geek @lapisreviewsstuff @aworldoffandoms @paisleylovergirl @llamasgrl @flyawayboo @timmagicktoad-blog @isabella-choices @ihclipse @sparklinglilac @whenyourheartskipsabeat @desmaranj

The drizzle out the window beats slower than her heart. Her breaths come in ragged gasps, the plastic rustles against the air vent it covers, and the only other faint sound is the steady beep of machines outside the quarantined room where she paces.

Beeps that remind her, Raf is still there.

The nausea has increased tenfold, but Casey refuses to sit down. The numb sensation in her feet and hands tingle with every second, but her stubbornness keeps her upright.

“Case, why don’t you rest for a second?”

The usual bravado in Bryce’s voice is gone, replaced with something she hasn’t heard before.

Fear.

Still wearing the mask around his neck, and bloody scrubs, her eyes try to focus on his expression.

Was the fear because of Kyra or herself?

“You’re here. Does that mean..” The raspy whisper that leaves her mouth is unrecognizable.

The young surgeon looks at her with pure anguish. “She made it, everything went good and she’s resting now. Which is what you need to be doing. You can hardly stand, let alone pace around your room.”

As if on cue, her whole body sways and she grabs the foot of the bed, holding still for a moment before her head and eyes clear again.

Only seconds later, the rest of her friends and the diagnostics team arrive. Faces full of fear, pity, and some anger. She knew why they were angry, she was angry too.

“I can’t sit still, I feel like that’s giving up.” Casey tries to keep her voice as even as possible.

“Dr. Ramsey and I found Travis, he gave us a few more symptoms to go off of before he…” Sienna trails off, biting her lower lip as her eyes shine through the glass.

“He died.” Ethan walks in first, leading Baz and June behind him. “But thanks to Danny, we know what was in the canister and we’ve got people working on an antidote as we speak.”

Casey looks to Sienna, seeing her lips purse and eyes begin to water at the mention of the young nurse’s name. The red head’s heart clenches at her friend’s pain, pain she hoped she and Raf wouldn’t be adding to.

Swaying slightly without realizing it, Casey reaches out to Ethan. His arms encircle her, steadying her as June takes her vitals. The ocean blues behind the hazmat mask seem more dull than usual, or maybe it’s her eyesight, but they don’t break eye contact. Somehow, feeling his covered hands and arms around her soothes her. Just being near him calms her and seems to take away the pain for just a moment.

“Her blood pressure has dropped in the last hour, heart rate is elevated.” The no nonsense tone of June’s voice cuts into Casey’s welcomed distraction.

“Why wouldn’t my heart rate be elevated? I’m having the time of my life in here.” At the attempt of a laugh, coughs take over, wracking her frail body and causing Ethan to tighten his grip on her.

“I can’t stand here and watch this. Are we going to go find a cure for this?” Jackie’s fist rests against the window, her face contorted with anger as she watches her friend writhe in Ethan’s arms.

“Hell yes we are.”

Tobias Carrick’s voice carries down the hall as a group of footsteps echo behind him. With Aurora next to him, the Edenbrook doctors look upon the Mass Kenmore group cautiously.

When Casey’s coughing fit finally dies down, the silence doesn’t stretch long.

“Carrick, why are you—“ Ethan can’t hide the surprise in his tone, or on his face, but Tobias waves him off.

“This is bigger than our competition. No one is letting Valentine die.” Ethan’s old friend eyes Casey with sympathy, internally noting the way Ethan holds her gently and protectively.

“We brought all our best doctors with us, they’re at Edenbrook’s disposal.” Aurora walks to the glass, softly placing her palm on it and worrying over her friend and roommate.

“I can’t thank you all enough.” Shaking, Casey tries to stand on her own, but the arms holding her don’t budge.

Her group of friends all start talking at once, saying their goodbyes and words of encouragement. June and Baz excuse themselves as well, telling Casey to hang in there. But the one steady thing in her world at that moment stays put.

“Casey, I—”

At the despair written on her face, his words die on his lips.

“I’m scared, Ethan. I don’t know— I’m not—”

All the tears she held back since the attack, since Bobby, Danny, and Raf, they rush to the surface and flood down her pale, sunken cheeks.

“Shhh,” the suit crinkles loudly as Ethan pulls the frail woman into his arms. “I am beyond terrified too. The one person I care about more than anything in the world…”

Her sniffling pauses at the meaning hanging in the air, but he begins to move them towards the bed, momentarily distracting her.

“Ethan, please if I lay down I don’t know if I’ll get up.”

He grunts a response as he lays down first before gently guiding her down next to him. “You will get up. Some of the best doctors in the world are fighting for you and Rafael, Casey.”

She weakly nestles into his embrace, silence stretching between them as he stares pensively at the ceiling.

“What were you going to say?” Her quiet question makes his muscles tense next to her, and she worries. “If it’s something you're not telling me about this maitotoxin, it’s not easing my mind.”

“No, no, the reason I cut myself off is the fact of the matter is,” he repositions himself so he can look into her glistening brown eyes. His gloved hand reaches up to cup her cheek softly, urging her eyes to close. “Casey, please look at me.”

The yearning and warmth in his voice pulls at her heart, and with no hesitation, she does as he says.

“When I say you are the most important thing in this world to me, and I care for no one more than I care for you, I mean it.” Fresh warm tears pool in her eyes and her bottom lip trembles. “I love you and looking back at how I’ve treated you… us, it has made me realize how much of a fool I was for pushing you away. I have never been able to deny my feelings for you and I believe I fell for you a long time ago. I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to acknowledge what has been in my heart.”

Tears falling, she closes her eyes but her lips spread into a warm smile, dimming the paleness on her frail body for just a moment.

“I’ve waited so long to hear you say that and now I can’t even kiss you to make you feel how much I feel the same. I’ve loved you for a really long time, Ethan. I wasn’t sure you’d ever feel the same.”

With the hazmat suit between them, Ethan embraces her as tightly as he can without hurting her. Wanting to feel her body and wishing this was taking place in his bed, after a perfect evening together instead of a quarantined room after the harrowing events of the day.

“As soon as you’re healthy, I’m taking you in my arms and never letting go.” The finality to his voice, mixed with the adoration and warmth, it causes Casey to shiver at the intensity.

“I can’t wait to kiss you.” She nestles back into his arms, exhaustion beginning to take over as he simply smiles softly and holds her tight.

As she falls into a deep slumber, Ethan can’t help the mist in his eyes or the deep hope that she’ll wake up to a cure.

The next morning, Ethan is startled out of thought as Casey lurches awake and rolls on her side, crying out in agony.

“What is it? What’s wrong, Casey?” He’s on his feet, pushing his chair back, and takes a strong hold of her hand.

The bed shakes under her violent writhing, one of her arms wraps around her stomach as she cries tears of pure pain. “It hurts so bad.”

After what seems like eternity, the pain subsides and Casey is left panting and sweaty, still gripping Ethan’s hand.

“That was new.” Her voice is weaker and her body shakes from exerting so much energy.

She slowly takes her hand away and sits up, still shaking, but watches as Ethan paces away angrily.

“I absolutely hate not having any control over this. There’s nothing I can do to help you and seeing you suffer, it makes me—” He groans and runs his hand through his hair in frustration.

She isn’t looking at him, her eyes are shut and her fingers dig into the bed. “Ethan, I’m not sure how long I can do this.”

That sentence, just a whisper, is enough to break him out of his rant. Enough for him to realize how selfish he is. Enough for him to realize if they don’t find an antidote, he could lose her.

“No, no, no.” He hurries back to her side, holding both her hands in his, engulfing the coldness. “You need to keep fighting. Please.”

His forehead settles on the edge of her bed as he sits back down, his hands holding hers still as he closes his eyes and begins to pray silently. Desperation coursing through his veins.

“We’ve got it!” Tobias is sprinting down the hall with June and Baz, the rest of Casey’s friends following behind quickly. The sounds urge Ethan to stand.

“But Raf, he needs it more—” her whisper is cut off by a violent cough.

Within minutes, the other two members of the diagnostics team are in Casey’s room, donning hazmat suits and carrying a small syringe.

“Don’t worry, we’ve already given him his dose. So save your energy, you’re going to need it.” June grins triumphantly at her sick colleague and then looks to Ethan who’s red rimmed eyes show their utter surprise. “Would you like to do the honors?” She holds the syringe out towards him.

“Absolutely.” As soon as he has the antidote, he steps over to Casey’s bedside and holds her hand for a moment, gazing at her lovingly. “Are you ready?”

A simple nod is enough answer for him. Gently, he finds her vein and injects the liquid, removing the needle when the syringe is empty.

12 HOURS LATER

“Get up.”

Ethan strides into the quarantined room without a hazmat suit and leaves the door wide open behind him. He grins, and despite the exhaustion in his eyes, he looks happy and at ease.

“You mean…?” Carefully standing, but feeling near normal for the first time in the past 32 hours, Casey looks at him, her eyes trailing over every inch of him.

“Your last few blood tests have shown a slow decrease in the maitotoxin and the very last results showed nothing. It’s gone, so—”

His scientific rambling is cut off by Casey’s small body ramming into his. Her arms wrap around him tightly and she buries her face into his chest, breathing him in deeply. “So I can do this finally?”

A simple nod is his only answer, and when she pulls back to look at him, she understands why. His eyes are full and glisten with unshed tears. His large hand gently cups her cheek, his thumb traces her cheekbone.

“And this.” Before she can question what he means, his lips softly press to hers, his free hand slipping down to rest on her hip.

The silent embrace lasts for just a few seconds before he forces himself to pull away. His other hand slips up and cups her cheek so he’s holding her face. The piercing eyes roam over her face, as if he’s memorizing her.

“I didn’t know if I’d ever feel your lips again.” Her voice quivers and her bottom lip trembles when she sees his eyes glisten in the light.

In answer, he leans forward, pressing a firm kiss to her forehead before pulling her against his chest once again. “I love you.”

His voice is so quiet, she nearly misses the sweet phrase. Her voice is muffled, but she responds as her arms tighten around his waist. “I love you too, Ethan.”

[alj4890]

Heart's Choice Part 3

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

A/N Here's the finale to your initial question @jerzwriter Sorry it took this long to answer 😂 Thanks for the ask ♥️

Masterlist

Part 3

Ethan wasn't sure how he managed to walk into Chris's room and calmly sit down. He had such a rush of feelings as he looked at her tear stained face. The first was how unfair it was that this was where they ended up after everything they'd been through.

He loved her. He doubted there would ever come a time when he didn't. The thought of losing her cut to the quick. His life, he couldn't even begin to imagine what it was going to look like after today.

Anger and fear melded together, forcing him to want to fight the inevitable. He knew Tobias was right. It galled him to admit it, but the man knew him and Chris too well. He saw right to the heart of the matter just as much as they wished to remain blind to it.

"Ethan?" Chris reached for his hand.

He got up and moved to sit facing her on the bed. Taking her hand in his, he lifted his eyes to her face.

He adored that face. The green eyes that could twinkle with humor then burn with passion were hypnotic. Her warm smile was always directed towards him. Even the slight tilt of her nose was endearing.

Chris's bottom lip trembled, drawing his attention to her mouth.

That mouth had the ability to make him burn. Whether it was in the throes of passion or in setting off his temper, it had a power over him unlike any other. The words she'd whisper to him late at night, hearing her say how much she loved him, how could he walk away from that?

He only knew he had to.

"Chris, I think we both know what needs to be done." He began.

Silent tears began to fall down her cheeks once more.

He reached up with his free hand and gently wiped them away. He knew there was no reason to bring up Tobias's confession. As much as he wanted to blame him for what was happening, ultimately it came down to Chris and himself.

"I'm not going to change, not in the way you need me to. I can't. I won't." He lifted his eyes to hers. "I'm not the man to give you the marriage and family you want."

Chris was unable to speak. Her heart was breaking that this was what had come of their relationship. The fact that he was ending it surprised her. She'd dreaded this talk, knowing she'd have to say they couldn't be together, even though she knew deep down that it needed to be done. The thing was, she hadn't known it would hurt this much.

She loved him. He frustrated and challenged her like no one before or after him. He had a tenderness that could surprise her and make her melt at the same time. Even his dry sense of humor had a way of making her day better.

How could she let him end what they'd struggled to finally have?

She knew though, neither of them really had a choice. This was the only way they could live.

Especially since I now realize I'm in love with Tobias.

Swallowing back a sob, she whispered. "You were the man of my dreams."

A sad smile formed on lips she knew too well.

"That's the thing about dreams, Chris." His voice was hoarse with emotion. "Eventually, you wake up and see reality."

He lifted their clasped hands to his cheek. "You and I have been dreaming long enough."

Her voice hitched as more tears fell. "Do you," she closed her eyes as her shoulders began to shake with her muffled cries, "do you hate me?"

"No." He scooted closer, drawing her once more into his arms. "I don't hate you at all."

She held on to him, crying out that she didn't want to lose him.

"I know we'll need time." She sniffed. "Do you think that one day we could find our way back to being friends?"

He hesitated at the notion. With how much he felt for Chris, he didn't know if he could take simply being her friend. Ethan's self-preservation cried out that he refuse to ever see her again. Though they worked at the same place, being Chief would help keep them from seeing each other as little as possible.

Looking into her heartbroken face and seeing that she was as devastated as he was, he knew he couldn't say no.

"One day." He promised.

She tenderly kissed his cheek.

"I'm so sorry, Ethan."

"Me too." He reluctantly released her.

Ethan got to his feet. "I'll go and let you get some rest."

With one final look at Chris, he left.

Tobias was waiting out in the hallway. He'd remained across the hall so as to give Ethan and Chris privacy. When the door opened and he saw his friend's face, he knew that life had permanently changed for all of them.

Ethan noticed him standing there. Giving a brisk nod of acknowledgement, he got in the elevator without a word.

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

A few hours later, Tobias found Chris fast asleep. She'd exhausted herself from crying over everything that happened in the last few days.

He quietly sat down in the chair next to her bed to watch her. He hated that she and Ethan had gone through this. At the same time, he couldn't help but be overjoyed in Chris returning the love he'd felt for a long time.

Tobias knew she'd need some time before they began their own new relationship. As anxious as he was to start, he was willing to wait for as long as she needed to. He'd already waited in revealing his feelings. What was a little longer to actually see his dreams come to fruition?

He relaxed back in the chair as visions of what would happen when Chris was ready came to mind.

Closing his eyes, he dreamed about her.

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

Chris awoke alone that night in her hospital room. Noticing the time, she knew she would soon be dismissed from observation. She sat up and wondered if she should buzz for a nurse to find out when she could leave.

Tobias stuck his head in as he'd done every so often, saw her awake, and came inside.

"One last examination." He told her. "Then I'll release you."

She sat up straighter as he checked her vitals. He shined a small light in each of her eyes then grinned at her.

"You're good to go."

She stared at him as he wrote some notes in her chart and wondered what he was thinking. Did he know that Ethan ended things? Was he regretting telling her he loved her? He hadn't exactly said he wanted a relationship. He'd only wanted to tell her how he felt.

Tobias glanced up and caught her staring at him. Setting the chart on the bed table, he sat down on her bed.

"Now that you're no longer my patient," he said, "how are you?"

His eyes searched hers for the truth when she seemed to struggle to find the words.

"Numb, I think." She began. "A part of me is at least."

She summoned her courage to find out what he was thinking. "The other part of me is still thinking about what you and I admitted."

"Oh?" He felt his heart drop. "Do you regret saying it?"

"Of course not!" Her eyes widened that he'd ever think that. "I only regret not realizing it sooner."

She averted her eyes from his. "It was unfair to both you and Ethan that I didn't see what was happening."

"Hey." He took her hands in his. "So the timing wasn't ideal for us to admit we are in love. I know I could have waited a little longer, but I didn't want to." He shrugged. "Now that we both know how we feel, we have all the time we need to be together."

"Is that what you want?" She asked. "For us to be together in a relationship?"

"You thought I poured my heart out to you, simply to remain single?" He shook his head. "I know I said I didn't expect anything to change, but I couldn't help but hope that you loved me too. You couldn't have doubted that if you did, I would do all I could to be with you."

Chris realized how foolish her fears had been. He was right. Why would you tell someone how you felt if you weren't going to do all you could to be with them.

"Well," she said a touch nervously. "Now what do we do?"

"Take you home for your mandatory two days of rest." He told her.

"Right." She moved to get out of the bed. "I meant about us."

Tobias stopped her from moving when he placed his hands on her waist.

"I thought, if you want to that is," he explained, "that you could come to my home to recover." He explained. "I understand if you're not ready for us to begin right away, but I would like to take care of you, if you'll let me."

Tears filled her eyes again. Sniffing, she wrapped her arms around him in a hug.

Tobias gently rubbed her back when she tightened her arms around him.

She lifted her head, gazing up at him, and asked if he was sure he wanted to do that.

"I know I'm going to be a mess for a while." She added.

He cupped her cheek, thumb brushing her skin.

"I wouldn't have offered it if I wasn't sure." He told her.

"Then I want to go home with you." Chris admitted. "I need to be near you, especially after everything we've said."

He leaned forward and placed a lingering kiss to her forehead.

She caressed his cheek when it ended. Their eyes met and both knew they didn't need to say anything else.

Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, Tobias took her home.

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

Epilogue...

"Ready?" Ethan asked.

Tobias looked at his reflection once more. "No. I can't get this damn tie straight."

Ethan stepped forward and untied it to start over.

"It wasn't that bad." Tobias grumbled.

"It wasn't that good either." Ethan remarked, smirking at him. "I think your nerves have gotten the better of you."

Tobias rolled his eyes in response.

"There." Ethan stepped back to study him. "I think you're ready unless you need to stare at your reflection a little longer."

He walked out of the room, pausing in the doorway to tease the man one last time. "I can always tell everyone that the wedding has been postponed because the groom can't tear his eyes off himself."

"Don't even think about doing that." Tobias followed him out. "Come hell or high water, I'm getting married today."

The two made their way towards the altar and took their positions.

"Hey?" Tobias whispered to him before Chris walked down the aisle. "Thank you."

"For what? The tie? You never did have the knack for them." Ethan whispered back.

"Not that, smartass. For this. For standing by my side. Being there for Chris," Tobias paused the moment Chris appeared and began to walk the aisle with her father. "For a lot of things that I don't have time to get into."

Ethan patted his back. His heart still ached from time to time, but he'd realized after a few months that he needed both Chris and Tobias in his life. He was miserable keeping them at a distance. It hurt more being without their friendship than it did seeing them together as a couple.

It gave him hope for his own future when he saw Chris in her wedding gown and didn't wish she was marrying him. The fact that she only had eyes for Tobias in this moment didn't bother him. He knew that he had made the right decision for all three of them.

He was able to stand there and watch the two closest people in his life obtain their happily ever after.

[choicesfanaf]

Looking After You

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Arundhati Kulkarni)

Characters: Ethan Ramsey, Arundhati Kulkarni

Word Count: 706 words

Rating: General

Summary: Ethan looks after a sick Arundhati.

Category: Fluff

Tagging: @choicesficwriterscreations, @openheartfanfics

Perma: @jamespotterthefirst, @quixoticdreamer16

Ethan x Arundhati: @rookiemartin

"Such a pleasant day. Spring is quite beautiful. If I get done early, I'll spend some time in the garden with Ethan," Aru thought as she walked towards her office for a meeting with the diagnostic team.

When she reached her office, she felt her throat itch and a bit sore. Fortunately, she had a few lozenges in her bag, and she popped one in her mouth before the meeting, not thinking much of it.

The following morning, at 3:00 am, Aru woke up with a blocked nose, headache, and cough.

Ethan, a light sleeper, also woke up when he heard Aru groan while trying her best to get some rest but failing, as was evident by her constant turning.

He took a minute to realise what was happening and made a cup of tea to soothe her.

"Ethan, could you please sleep in the guest room? Or let me go there? I don't want to get you infected because of me," Aru said while sipping some warm tea. 

"No, honey. I'm not going to do that. I want to look after you, okay? I know how you are and that you won't look after yourself. So, let me take care of you", he replied while rummaging in their medicine kit for a Tylenol. Aru eagerly took the pill from Ethan when he found it, hoping to get some relief.

The next day, she woke up quite later than usual and panicked that she would get late for work. Just when she started to rush to get ready, Ethan chimed in, "Aru, I have requested a holiday for both of us cause you are sick and I don't want others to get infected, especially your patients. I'll stay at home for today to take care of you, my love."

"That’s very sweet of you, Ethan, but I will be fine in a day or two, I don't want you to ignore your work."

"I'm not ignoring my work by looking after you, Aru. In fact, I'm doing both."

"Okay, love, thanks a lot for taking care of me."

A while later, Aru sat down with her blanket in front of the TV while Ethan made her favourite tomato soup and watched her comfort movies, Welcome and Om Shanti Om.

After finishing her delicious soup, she went to gargle with warm salt water and a quick bath under instructions from Ethan while he made her favourite comfort food.

When she came back, Ethan gave her a cup of kadha, whose recipe he had procured from her mom on a visit.

Ethan then checked her temperature because he found her hands and forehead cold.

He realised she had a fever, so he got her some Tylenol and asked her to rest until lunch.

She protested, saying, "It's just a little fever, I'm fine. There's no need for medicine. Let my body fight it out."

"Aru, my love, you have a fever. I want you to get better as soon as possible, which won't happen if you don't take your medicine," he said.

"Okay....if you get well soon, we'll go out to eat some chaat," Ethan continued when he got no response from Aru.

"E, are you trying to bribe me? Because this is new stuff. I have only seen you do this to little kids when they don't listen."

"Well, I have to find a way for you to ingest your meds."

"You know it's nothing major, right? I'll be fine in a few hours even without the pill."

"I know that, honey. But I can't bear to see you like this, even if it is a minor thing."

"Ethan! This is nothing to worry about, and the doctor in you knows that."

"I know that very well, my darling."

"Then why are you worrying?"

"Because I hate to see you like this, in pain! I love you, Aru, and this is too much for me to bear."

On hearing this, she could barely contain his happiness and moved to kiss him, but she suddenly moved away.

"Ethan, I don't want to infect you."

"Sorry, Aru, I understand," he said, as planted a soft and assuring kiss on her forehead, "come on, let's eat Rajma Chawal."

[what-an-idio-t]

This was so beautiful and heart breaking at the same time. I am in love with your writing ❤

“The Fifth Call”

Synopsis: After disaster strikes Boston and Edenbrook, Charlie just wants to get Ethan on the phone…

Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x MC (Charlie Greene)

Choices Story: Open Heart (set during Chapter 14)

Rating: Teen (literally just one f-bomb)

Words: 1107

Ring. Ring. Ring. “This is Dr. Ethan Ramsey. Please leave a name and number-“

Fuck. Voicemail, again.

Charlie disconnected the call, falling deeper into the plastic, waiting room chair. This was her fourth try to call Ethan, and it was just as unsuccessful as the last. It had taken her hours to dial his number the first time, terrified to press call and face him after days of not speaking. When Ethan left Edenbrook, he left Charlie, too. He walked right past her pleading attempts to get him to stay, and the rejection lingered.

But it had been days since she’d heard from him, and after tonight, she just needed to hear his voice.

Keep reading

[zealouscanonindeer]

Company

Synopsis: Comfort goes both ways, even in the most unlikely times.

Category: Fluff.

Ethan sat at his office desk, eyes trained on the desktop screen but tonight his attention was not on paperwork or administration details. That had long since disappeared, ever since he stepped down from his role as Chief. Now, he was back to doing what he loved, being a doctor.

With Aspen at the helm of the diagnostic team and leading it beautifully, he was content in sitting back and letting her continue. So he spent most of his time in the clinic and wards, scanning through as many patients as possible. He had also begun writing his second book, the object currently holding his attention. Though not for long..

"Dada! " The tiny voice was followed by a splatter of footsteps and laughter as someone zoomed past his office towards the living room.

He got up, slightly exasperated, he had finally achieved putting Tatum down only 10 minutes back. He had waited until her eyelids had pressed shut, her breathing even and her tiny hand slowly let go of his.

"Tate" He saw her on the sofa, standing against the backrest, her dark hair plopping up and down as she jumped. Her honey orbs started at him, challenging him to make her stop. Suddenly he was stunned by her uncanny resemblance to his wife.

"How in the world did you get out of the crib? " He mostly asked himself.

"I hold the bars and then get on the dresser and from there.. I do this. " She had by now climbed onto the backrest and flung herself off it. Ethan scrambled to catch her, his heart dropping when he realised he was too far away.

She landed on her feet and he sighed in relief, he himself wasn't so lucky. His fall was only half aided by the carpet. His hip hit the floor, causing a light groan to leave him.

His daughter stared at him from above as he lay on his back. Her lips let out giggles before she grabbed his arm.

"Silly dada. "

"Silly indeed. " Ethan muttered, smiling.

She pulled him, indicating she wanted to go somewhere. Ethan found his footing, the pain subsiding as she walked towards the master bedroom. She waited for Ethan by the door,her little legs dancing about, impatient to enter but the dark too scary to tread.

The moment Ethan switched on the light, she rushed in, grabbing handfuls of the duvet to launch herself onto the bed. Making herself comfortable under the covers, she patted the space next to her, looking at Ethan who stood leaning against the door, his features perked up watching his younger daughter's antics.

He sat down next to her and she immediately snuggled into him, his large arm wrapping around her entire body as she blissfully rested her weight against him.

"Why aren't you in bed, my gorgeous tater tot? " Her eyes brightened at the mention of tater tots.

"It's scary dada. "

"What is? "

"The storm. "

The weather had been terrible the past weekend, causing half of his family to remain in Florida, where they were visiting Aspen's family. He had stayed behind as Tatum had just recovered from quite a severe bout of flu and it was unadvisable that she be subjected to plane travel so soon.

"Did that wake you up? " She nodded vehemently.

"You know, it was really scary for me as well. I still find it very difficult to sleep during storms. "

"Does Mommy hold you too, when you're scared and read you your favorite bedtime story? "

"Something like that. " Ethan smirked.

"I miss Mommy. " Tatum sighed dramatically, throwing herself on the pillows and pouting.

"Me too." Ethan admitted.

"You don't need to worry, I gotcha. " She assured, her earnest promise evident in the seriousness of her eyes.

"I know you do. Thank you. " Ethan answered, the reassurance more profound than he expected.

"Let's continue our bedtime story, yeah. "

"Yeah! " Tatum ran across the hall before returning back silently. She stood by the door, fingers in her mouth and mumbled.

"It's dark. "

"Let's go together. " Ethan picked her up, gently removing her fingers out of her mouth and giving her a stern look. She rested her head in the crook of his neck, her tiny hand resting on his jaw absentmindedly.

Having gotten her book, Danny the Champion of the World, they settled in bed. Two chapters later, she was fast asleep. Ethan smiled, looking at his little girl, suddenly finding himself glad that he wasn't alone at home tonight. She gave him more courage than he could fathom possible.

His phone buzzed, vibrating against the bedside table. He picked it up to see his wife's image pop up. He quickly swiped up to see her smiling into the camera.

"Hey. How's it going there. I miss you."

"The storm's still crazy. God, I wish your plane left yesterday, I miss you too. "

"Hmm. You holding up fine? I know bad weather makes you restless. Try to get some sleep, okay? "

It was true, the storms always unnerved Ethan. He remembered Louise leaving before a particularly bad one. With Alan still adjusting to the new life and responsibility, Ethan had braved through one such night all on his own. Ever since then, nights like these brought back those memories with them. But tonight he felt strangely calm even in the midst of one.

" Don't worry one bit about me. " He said turning the camera towards their sleeping daughter.

"I have company. "

*********

@liaromancewriter @potionsprefect @jerzwriter @cariantha @peonierose @rookiemartin @kyra75 @queencarb @genevievemd @tessa-liam @coffeeheartaddict2 @tveitertotwrites @openheartfanfics @choicesficwriterscreations

[jamespotterthefirst]

Rb if this is your MC with Ethan

[a-cloud-for-dreams]

*Naveen Seeing Chandini and Bryce flirting*: They're cute, I want to put them on a boat

Ethan: ...

Sienna: You mean...you ship them?

[doctorrookie]

In her first year, Dr Allessandra Carter left a box of chocolates on Dr Ethan Ramsey’s desk on Valentine’s Day. On the note, it writes:

Dear Dr Ramsey,

You inspire me.

Love,

Your secret admirer.

He immediately knew it was her. He never called her out for it, but he knew. And she knew he knew.

When she went over to his place for Dr Banerji’s phage therapy, she saw that box in his fridge.

“You never seemed like one to indulge,” she held up the box, casually, teasingly.

“It was a gift, from someone I care about a lot.”

She glowed from within with joy and pride, but careful not to show it. She continued scouring around his kitchen to hide that smile she couldn’t suppress.

Little did she know, and if she had turned around, she would see that Ethan was beaming, eyes filled with love as he watched her every action.

Character A is trying to be B's secret admirer but they get caught/found out immediately.

Alternative: A is able to stay hidden but has to confess because not knowing who left them a letter/gift/etc. makes B anxious instead of it being a fun surprise.

[stanathanxoox]

We're Not Doing That

not my gif

"no, we're not doing that" - Dr Ethan Ramsey x reader 

You were sitting up on the rooftop, overlooking the city skyline thinking of how you had let down your patient and their family. You hadn’t been able to stop the spread of the toxin from reaching your patients vital organs and so it was now a matter of when she would die. She was surrounded by her family and some close friends, as you and the diagnostics team had done everything you could to make her comfortable in her last hours on earth. You feel a pair of arms wrap around your waist, for a split second you freeze before you relax into the embrace that you had come to rely upon.

“I heard about your patient, Tobias says her vitals are quickly fading. She doesn’t have much longer” Ethan says matter of factly and you nod, it’s all you can do as there is a massive knot in your throat. You turn and look up at him, teary green eyes meeting his bright blue ones

“No, Y/n, we’re not doing that. You are not blaming yourself. The toxin had been in her body for too long, and even if you had found it sooner the likelihood of you being able to save her and give her a proper chance of survival was incredibly slim. You know that” he says as he pulls you closer and you hide your face in his chest. This wasn’t the first time since the two of you had entered into a relationship that you had used his shirt as a tissue for your eyes and your nose, nor would it be the last.

“It’s alright Y/N, I’ve got you. Let it out darling” he whispers as he places a kiss on the top of your head.

Tag List: @tiva-jenry-caskett-rizzles-densi​, @jimmybpride​, @dressed-up-just-like-z1ggy​, @nikkiwierden​, @samchelforever007​, @kirkspockbones​, @xoncisxncislaxncisnolaox​, @lasalle-pride-sebastian-love​, @haliannej​, @brooklyn-99-amyxjake​​, @mizzezm​, @genius2050​, @twilight-twihard​, @cullencoven2019​, @wxlfgirlx​, @luciferxchloeislove​, @drethanramsey-ismybabe​, @sawyer-oakley-is-mighty-fine​, @loverofoneshots​, @aelin-thefirebreathingbitchqueen​​ @kmc1989 

Tag List for Pixelberry fics: @cordoniaqueensworld​, @aworldoffandoms​, @desiree—1986​

Tag List for Open Heart: @melissagoodwill​, @lady-kato​, @i-bloody-love-drake-walker​, @cxld-play

[the-pale-goddess]

On a Night Like This - Ethan Ramsey x MC

He can almost hear the bells in heaven and the riot in hell as the gentle brush immediately turns ravenous, effectively blurring the line between right and wrong.

This moment is worth any risk.

The iconic Miami scene was captured by the most wonderful and talented gem, Anna [@ dzb.art / IG] 💙💛 That soft glow emanating from their hearts was her genius idea! I’ll be staring at this masterpiece forever 😍

The quote comes from the first kiss fic I posted on ao3 last year - you can find it here.

[hopelessromantic1352]

AHHHHH I LOVE ALL THESE!!!! 😍😍😍

Thank you so much for this!!! ❤️🎁 You’re amazing!!!!

To @hopelessromantic1352, here's are few things that I made for you.

I couldn't decide all of what I wanted to make so I made 2 moodboards and a quick little text fic.

I hope you have had a great holiday and a great new year! I also hope that we can interact more.

From,

Megan (tveitertotwrites, formerly openheartfanfiction)

Text fic

Moodboards

@choicesfandomappreciation

[alj4890]

Heart's Choice Part 2

(Ethan Ramsey x F!MC) (Tobias Carrick x F!MC) in a Choices one shot

A/N I warned you @jerzwriter that this was ridiculously long, LOL. There's only one more part after this to complete the ask.

Masterlist

Part 2

About ten minutes later, Chris found herself in a patient room.

Tobias was in the process of stitching up the gash at the center of her head. He kept glancing down at her face every so often.

"Almost done?" She asked, feeling the need to squirm. She was so embarrassed that she'd fainted earlier.

"Almost." Tobias was worried about how deathly pale her face still was. "Are you feeling faint again?"

"No." She muttered. "I told you that I've done it before."

"I need the whole story." He paused to knot his handiwork.

He then rolled his chair around where he could face her.

"How did you get this far in medicine without fainting over the sight of blood?"

"That's just it." She explained. "It isn't other people's blood that makes me faint, only my own."

She began to fidget with the blanket while telling him about the first time something like this happened.

"When I was five years old, my parents took me to visit one of my uncles who lived out in the country. It wasn't quite a farm, but there was a lot of land where I could run around and go on adventures."

Chris sighed while attempting to get more comfortable. "One day, my cousins went fishing without me. I was furious with being left behind, so I chased after them. There was a shortcut to the pond they were headed to that had a gravel trail. One part of the path went down a very steep hill."

Tobias could easily picture a little red haired girl running as fast as she could then tripping and skidding down that very hill as she told the rest of the story.

"When I sat up, my knees and shins were torn open. My palms had deep cuts and my right cheek was bleeding. I fainted as soon as I saw all the blood."

She looked up at him. "I can do a simple cut or scrape and even my period, but when there is a lot of my blood, I faint."

Her lips curved as she recalled her family's reaction. "My grandfather was one of the top surgeons in Edinburgh. He didn't know what to think about me possibly being unable to study medicine. My parents, being surgeons too, were also in utter disbelief over my reaction to the sight of blood."

"You've got too many doctors in your family." Tobias choked on his laughter.

"Everyone's a doctor!" Chris chuckled over the irony of it all. "I think my grandmother would have been one if she hadn't settled on being a nurse."

She shook her head in exasperation. "My cousins thought I'd died when they found me passed out and covered in blood."

With a smile, she added, "They never left me behind again."

Tobias couldn't help but laugh over her story.

Chris tried to sit up and return to the oncall room.

"Easy there!" He forced her back into a reclining position. "You've got a grade two concussion. You're going to do nothing but rest."

She huffed with a bit of impatience. "But I'm --"

"No buts, Chris." His voice became firm. "You're under my care now. You will stay put and allow us to monitor you for the next twenty-four hours. Then, you'll rest an additional two days. Got all that?"

"Yes, Dr. Carrick." She mumbled, knowing it was futile to argue.

Pleased to see she was going to mind him without putting up her usual fight, he began to dim the lights in the room.

Tobias took over the reclining chair next to the bed and set an alarm for three hours from now. He knew it was going to be a long twenty-four hours for both of them.

They fell into an awkward silence as they both recalled what led to Chris becoming a patient. It was the first time they'd ever been this uncomfortable around each other.

"Chris," Tobias couldn't take another second of the silence, "about what I said earlier,"

She swallowed, unable to look directly at him.

"I meant it." He told her. "I don't expect you to return my feelings. I know you're with Ethan. I would never want to destroy that."

She grimaced somewhat from the pain in her head and the one that was slowly breaking her heart.

"I care about you both." He added. "But I couldn't keep my feelings bottled up anymore. Now that you know, I hope you won't let it ruin what we already have."

She forced herself to look at him.

"So," her voice cracked, "you could continue to be with friends with me without any bitterness?"

"Of course I can." He gave a slight shrug. "That's what I've been doing all this time."

Chris searched his eyes as she rested back against her pillow.

Tobias wished she would just come out and say whatever was going through her mind. He knew he'd shocked her. That along with her injury made it impossible for him to force her to reveal her true feelings.

Instead, he insisted she try and get some sleep.

"I'll check on you in a few hours."

Chris tried to do as ordered. She closed her eyes yet was unable to do anything but think about his confession. When she heard his slow, deep breathing, she turned to find him asleep.

She was free to study him without being caught.

Anyone would admit he was handsome. The man oozed sexiness. His charm and pleasant personality endeared him to many. It was hard not to love him.

There was no doubt in Chris's mind that if they had met back when Ethan refused to be with her, that she would be with Tobias right now.

She could see the path their lives would have taken. She loved being around him. It was easy. They thought alike in so many different situations whether in work or in their personal lives. Hearing him say he would want a family made their imagined future so much easier to picture.

But...

She was with Ethan, the very man she'd fought so hard to win.

Their love was different from any other she'd experienced. It was difficult at times, given their differing personalities. Then there were times where it felt as natural as breathing.

Ethan needed her. After all he'd been through with his mother, his disappointments in himself and those he worked with; he needed Chris to help him focus on what really mattered in life.

Tobias didn't need that. He already knew what to take seriously and what to let go. He moved through life effortlessly and made those around him think it could be possible to do the same. His innate confidence infused those he worked around.

What does he need from me, Chris wondered. My love? My friendship? What could I possibly give him that he doesn't already have?

Chris curled up on her side, eyes growing heavy the longer she watched Tobias sleep. The last thought to flitter through her mind before sleep claimed her made her tear up.

Could she actually give up one love with a man committed to her for another who had never shown any interest in having a relationship?

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

The next morning...

Chris woke up with a start when she felt a soft kiss to her forehead. The brush of stubble made her mind initially think of Tobias.

When she opened her eyes, she saw a worried Ethan above her.

"I leave you alone for a couple of days and you immediately get into trouble."

Unable to stop the laugh over his dry observation, she hugged him.

Glancing over his shoulder, she noticed that the chair was empty that had held Tobias throughout the night.

"Please tell me you didn't drive through a snowstorm just because I bumped my head."

Ethan's frown deepened as he pulled away from her. He tenderly tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, allowing the back of his fingers to trail down her cheek.

"It wasn't nearly as bad as you think." He responded. "And I did wait until it had weakened some."

"Ethan." She groaned. "There was no need for you to rush home."

"There was." He argued. "We still have things that we need to discuss. Plus, now I see not only that you are injured, but also in need of care."

Chris rolled her eyes. "I'm fine. I was fine. There wasn't a single reason to hurry here."

"To be honest, I didn't know you'd gotten hurt until I arrived." His eyes narrowed. "I don't like finding out you're a patient the moment I walk into this hospital."

"If you'd stayed at your father's" she snapped, "you wouldn't have found out that way."

He glared at her for that. Didn't she know how important she was to him? The thought of her hurt or sick made him panic. Ever since the attack, he couldn't accept a world without Chris in it.

"Why didn't you call me?" He demanded.

"Because there was no need!" She threw her hands up in frustration, wishing she could pace. "I have a slight concussion that required stitches. It's not like I'm knocking on death's door."

"I'm going to find Tobias." He grumbled when he saw she was being her usual stubborn self.

Chris felt her heart stutter. Reaching out, she grabbed hold of Ethan's hand to stop him.

He looked at her in question.

"Don't go." She said softly, tears sparkling in her eyes. "Just...please..."

The growing lump in her throat made it impossible to speak. She wasn't even sure what it was she wanted to say to him.

Ethan's anger disappeared the moment he saw her tears. Settling down on the bed, he pulled her close to hold her. All thoughts about the fight they'd had earlier would have to wait. For the moment, he'd give her the comfort she needed from him.

He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, wishing he could take what he assumed was pain from her injury away.

Chris buried her face against his neck while hot tears streamed down her cheeks. She felt like her heart was being ripped from her chest.

How could she possibly let him go for the unknown? Was it cruel to even contemplate it?

Tobias entered and paused in the doorway when he saw the two holding each other.

Clearing his throat, he summoned his typical smirk.

"I see our Chief made it back in one piece."

Ethan leveled his furious gaze upon him. "Why didn't you call me about Chris?"

"Because it was late, she wasn't in any danger, and she didn't ask me to do so." Tobias explained.

Ethan grumbled about everyone leaving him in the dark.

"How are her vitals?"

Tobias handed her chart to him and then focused on Chris.

"How are you feeling?"

She swallowed and averted her eyes from both of them. She knew he meant her injury but all she could think about was the decision she'd have to make.

"She's obviously in pain." Ethan answered for her.

Tobias's concern grew in hearing that.

"You are?" He stepped closer to closely examine Chris's face.

She lifted tear filled eyes to his. Her heart ached to talk to him alone. It then hurt for even thinking about doing that to Ethan.

"It's close to time for her to have her next dose of acetaminophen." Ethan said. "I'll go put in the order."

He left without another word.

"Chris?" Tobias said hesitantly, uncertain what to say or how to help her.

She took a shaky breath and forced out the very words that she'd fought to ignore.

"I love you too."

He froze.

Tears slipped down her cheeks. "I always have." She angrily wiped them away. "You make it impossible not to fall in love with you."

"Chris." He whispered, kneeling down by her bedside.

His hand found hers. Tobias was for the first time at a complete loss for words.

Her bottom lip trembled as she looked at her hand in his. It felt right. His touch always felt right. It shouldn't. It never should have been a comfort nor a pleasure. Ethan's hand should have been the only one to give her all those feelings.

Ethan returned, stopping at the sight of them. His brow furrowed over Tobias kneeling and holding Chris's hand. He knew they had a close relationship, but this seemed almost...intimate.

He cleared his throat to get their attention. In bemusement, he watched them move away from one another and the slight guilty expressions forming on their faces. He knew then that what they had might actually go beyond friendship.

His gaze hardened. With a quick jerk of his head towards the hallway, he told Tobias to follow him.

"Ethan?" Chris called out. "Wait, I need to--"

He ignored her pleas to talk to her first. He suspected he knew what she would say. Before he could contemplate that, he needed to speak to Tobias.

The two left her and went into the diagnostics office.

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

"What the hell is going on?" Ethan demanded.

Tobias pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. Squaring his shoulders, he met Ethan's furious eyes.

"Last night, I decided I couldn't keep my feelings to myself." He admitted. "I told Chris I was in love with her."

"You bastard!" Ethan spat. "So you took advantage of our fight to worm your way between us."

Tobias glared at him. "No. I told her I didn't expect anything to change between us. I didn't want her to break up with you because I see just how good she is for you."

Ethan cursed.

"I noticed you said, didn't." He pointed out. "Does that mean you now think she should end things with me?"

Tobias didn't hesitate.

"I do."

Ethan lunged forward and grasped the lapels of Tobias's scrubs, giving him a hard shake.

"How dare you?!" He roared. "You back stabbing son of a bitch!"

"How dare you!" Tobias snapped back. "You knew the type of future Chris wants all while knowing you weren't going to give it to her."

His eyes searched Ethan's.

"How could you lead her on?"

Ethan shoved him away.

"Actually, you could give her what she wants." Tobias continued. "But you refuse to."

"It's my life." Ethan snapped. "Not yours. Not Chris's. No one's but mine. I know what I can and can't live with. Marriage is a maybe, but children are definitely out of the question. I have neither the desire, the time, nor tolerance for that enormous change."

"It isn't your life if you have Chris in it." Tobias argued. "It's hers too."

"She loves me." Ethan muttered. "She'll understand."

"Of course she damn well understands!" Tobias slammed his fist on the table, wishing he could physically knock some sense into his friend. "But why should she give up something so important to her?"

"Why should I?" Ethan demanded.

"You shouldn't." Tobias told him. "You both deserve to have the life you want. That's why you have to let her go."

Ethan snorted in derision. "That's rich coming from the asshole hoping to take her from me."

"I'm not trying to do anything!" Tobias cried out. "I care about you both, but I couldn't hold back my feelings anymore."

He released a frustrated groan while running his hands over his face. "Look, I should have tried harder to keep silent until you and Chris resolved your problems. I know it was a dick move to tell her after finding out you had a fight."

Tobias looked once more at Ethan.

"But, I won't be the reason you two break up."

"Bullshit." Ethan grumbled. "You put the idea of the two of you in her mind. There's no coming back from that."

"You know as well as I do that nothing can force Chris to turn away from a commitment." Tobias snapped. "Her loyalty is beyond reproach. A hundred men could profess their love to her and she would still choose to be with the man she's given her heart to, which happens to be you."

Ethan glared silently at him, considering his words.

With a heavy heart, he told Tobias, "No. That person's you."

"I'm not a fool." He added with a great deal of bitterness. "I saw her in there with you. She might be with me and love me but she loves you."

His anger slowly turned to sadness the more he realized the truth.

"She spends more time with you than she does with me thanks to my new position here. She's loved you and your company for a long time now. Chris probably doesn't even realize how much she does."

Tobias refused to deny what he hoped was true.

Ethan sat down in one of the chairs.

"Damnit." He muttered. "Why did she have to want the impossible?"

"Is it really impossible?" Tobias sat down across from him. "Doesn't the thought of having a family with Chris give you hope?"

Ethan shook his head. "It fills me with dread and worry that I can't be what she or any child needs." He briefly closed his eyes. "I could end up doing what my mom did to me and Dad."

Tobias knew it was pointless to argue with Ethan about this. The man was convinced he'd inherited these awful traits from the parent who'd chosen her own wants over him.

"What are you going to do?" He asked.

Ethan rubbed a hand down his face before forcing himself to his feet.

"I'm going to talk to Chris."

Tobias watched him leave with a heavy heart. He didn't know what he should wish for in this predicament the three were now in. He only knew that in the end, they would all hurt, either from guilt or loss of a loved one.

Lowering his head in his hands, he gave in to the desperation he felt.

[choicesfanaf]

Let's Make Dinner

Late submission for Day 19 of Choices January Challenge 2023: Kitchen

A moodboard based on Open Heart Book 2, Chapter 9 when MC accompanies Ethan to their place to cook dinner.

Tagging: @choicesjanuarychallenge for Day 19

Perma: @jamespotterthefirst, @quixoticdreamer16

Moodboards: @burnsoslow

[alwaysmychoices]

Every Night

Synopsis: Now that Charlie and Ethan are back together, they spend the first night of their new lives together -- and Ethan has a question to ask.

Chapter 44 of the “with and without” series

Previous Series: “a weekend with dr. ramsey”

Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x MC (Charlotte “Charlie” Greene)

Words: 2.9k

Rating: General Audience

Also available on AO3 & Wattpad (link in Masterlist)

There was something so peaceful about Ethan’s apartment tonight. Had this apartment always been peaceful? No, it couldn’t have been. Only last night, it was a mausoleum dedicated to the loss of true love.

But tonight, it was impossible to imagine these halls echoing anything but affection and contentment. The air tasted sweeter, the space felt warmer, the laughs were louder. One night of Charlie’s presence exorcised the ghosts that haunted Ethan in the middle of the night.

The change was subtle, but Ethan felt it with every step he took.

She’s here, he thought as he towel-dried his hair. She’s here, he thought as he stepped into his pajamas. She’s here, he thought as he savored the smell of her shampoo lingering in the damp air. She’s here, he thought as he padded to the living room.

Boston stared back at him through the windows – all the tallest buildings winking their congratulations.

The dim-lit space left evidence of Charlie’s presence in every corner – her shoes by the door, the crumbled pillow by her favorite chair, and the assortment of hair ties that followed her every step. Ethan was greedy for more of it, his usual tidiness be damned.

Ethan poured himself a glass of water and tapped the keypad of his laptop, waking it so he could check the time. With Charlie, time seemed to stop, but just as he suspected, it had continued for the rest of the world. It was late, so late that they should have been in bed hours ago if Charlie wanted to be well-rested for work tomorrow. But Ethan didn’t regret a moment of their night, nor was he eager to go to sleep now.

Stifling a yawn, Ethan curiously opened his notifications, and he was startled by the staggering amount.

At the top of the screen were the expected messages. HR paperwork for his new position with the hospital. Confirmation emails for cancelled movers. Pleas from a devastated recruiter trying to convince him to leave Boston anyway.

Then, there were the text messages reacting to the news. The Edenbrook rumor mill worked quickly, and by the time Ethan picked up Charlie from work, there were already whispers about their illicit affair.

Harper’s message came first. She was happy to hear that Charlie and Ethan were together, but she chastised Ethan for keeping the secret in the first place, though she insisted she’d sensed it long ago. She demanded dinner with the two of them as an apology, and Ethan typed back his assent, apologizing for lying to his friend and promising to make dinner reservations as soon as possible.

When Ethan sent his reply, he was surprised to realize that he was looking forward to dinner with Charlie and Harper. It wasn’t the first time that the trio spent time together, but it would be the first dinner where Charlie and Ethan didn’t have to perform, stifling themselves to avoid drawing attention to their relationship. Ethan liked the idea of integrating Charlie fully into his life – acknowledging the long-held truth that she was the most important part of it.

Above Harper’s gracious congratulations, Tobias Carrick sent a string of texts. It was clear that he hadn’t paced himself or censored a single thought, resulting in a string of consciousness as Tobias unraveled the revelations.

TOBIAS: I KNEW IT! I can’t believe you got caught MAKING OUT with a RESIDENT before you told me!

TOBIAS: Though Charlie is wonderful.

TOBIAS: So why does she like you then? She knows you enough to know better. How did you convince her to date you?

TOBIAS: Someone just told me you’ve been dating for a year. That better be a lie.

TOBIAS: No, it’s not. You’ve been evasive all year. That’s why, isn’t it?

TOBIAS: Then again, you’re always evasive and awkward.

TOBIAS: My office is next to yours, and I swear I heard noises today.

TOBIAS: Just heard the news that you’re leaving. Don’t fret. I’ll be the leader the Diagnostics Team has always needed.

The last message came a few hours later, when Tobias had clearly processed the news and felt it necessary to give a more cohesive and gracious response.

TOBIAS: Seriously though, congratulations. I’m proud of you.

TOBIAS: But don’t screw it up.

Ethan didn’t really consider Tobias a friend – not after their antagonistic history and current conflicts. But this string of texts tugged on some part of Ethan’s heart that had once considered Tobias his best friend. Perhaps it was worth trying again, even if this was just evidence that Tobias was as insufferable as ever.

ETHAN: Thank you.

There wasn’t much else to say, so Ethan didn’t bother trying. And frankly, for him, it was quite a lot.

After Tobias’s messages, there were a few more. Some of Charlie’s friends reached out to say they were happy for them. Sienna tentatively endorsed the relationship, though she reserved the right to murder Ethan if he messed up again. Jackie’s threats against Ethan were far less veiled, and Bryce sent at least a dozen excited emojis.  Naveen wrote with glee, boasting that their reunion had all gone to plan. When Ethan questioned Naveen’s direct defiance, Naveen ignored the question and offered the happy couple a weekend at his lake house to celebrate. Gracious for the offer (and Naveen’s interference), Ethan didn’t push it.

Nor did he need to push it.

Because there she was – his darling, wonderful Charlotte.

With Jenner close on her heels, Charlie wandered into the kitchen. The familiar scent of coconut and vanilla followed her, enveloping Ethan’s senses long before she looped her arms around his waist and nuzzled into him.

“There you are,” Charlie murmured, resting her cheek on his bare back. His skin was warm and scented with the mixture of their respective body washes – each still sitting in Ethan’s shower as if no time had passed.

In some ways, that made Charlie sad. She didn’t like to picture Ethan ending each night, staring at her half-empty bodywash and refusing to throw it away, even when he’d lost hope of her ever coming home. But the grief for their lost time was only a momentary interruption. In its wake, gratitude emerged. Because she had come home, and the bodywash was still waiting for her.

 Ethan smiled softly, abandoning his laptop and twisting his body so that they were face-to-face.  He leaned down to kiss the crown of her head, and Charlie shifted, leaning further into his embrace.

“What are you up to?” Charlie asked, her voice still in a daze.

The day had been so perfect – their reunion, their afternoon, their time at home. They’d spent most of the evening tangled in Ethan’s sheets, but not a moment of it had been quiet. They’d consumed each other in every way possible, from touch to speech. No time had passed, yet there was so much to catch up on.

“Missing you,” Ethan confessed.

Charlie laughed, “It’s been ten minutes since I kicked you out of the shower so I could actually wash my hair without you distracting me.”

“Way too long.”

“You’re ridiculous,” Charlie rolled her eyes, but it was the blush creeping up her cheeks that made Ethan smile. He kissed the flush as it spread up her skin, and he smiled against her cheek as she laughed.

Had anyone else ever been so happy?

“But really,” Charlie playfully swatted Ethan’s shoulder, “What are you doing? If it’s work, I’ll be obligated to make fun of you.”

Ethan shook his head, shifting so they could both face the laptop, “You’ll enjoy this.”

With a few clicks, Ethan brought up Tobias’s text thread. Somehow, the messages were even funnier from Charlie’s perspective. He lit up as he watched her read the messages, laughing at things he hadn’t even noticed before. Then, he showed her the other congratulatory messages. He thought she would like to see the well-wishes, but really, it was a silent effort to show he embraced the promises he’d made to her. He wanted her to know that he wasn’t hiding her anymore.

And Charlie appreciated every bit of it.

She reveled in the idea of dinners with friends. She wanted to be Ethan’s “plus one” to every event, even she’d have to throw her own party to get the opportunity. She liked how easily they talked about it, how Ethan actively participated in their planning without any pressure.

It was night and day from the man she’d once stormed out on.

Her chest ached with pride.

When Ethan reached Naveen’s message, he almost seemed nervous. As if suggesting a weekend away might break their fragile perfection.

“What do you think?” Ethan asked, when Charlie had sufficient time to read the exchange, “A weekend at the lake?”

Ethan had a whole pitch planned out. He was ready to remind Charlie that spring had just reached the city, the sunshine melting the ice and promising new beginnings. They could get out of the city and reconnect in the place where they’d first fallen in love. It felt like the right place to start their new chapter.

But a pitch wasn’t necessary.

“Yeah,” Charlie smiled softly, “A weekend with Dr. Ramsey. Sounds perfect.”

“A weekend with Dr. Greene,” Ethan echoed, mirroring her soft smile as he rubbed a gentle pattern on her back.

Charlie leaned into Ethan’s side, exhaustion peaking through their blinding happiness. Both of them were tempted to evade sleep altogether and stay awake all night, trading their wasted hours of rest with the promise of tender whispers and sacred promises. But relaxation had already seeped into their bones and lowered their defenses. They were both fighting to stay awake.

It was Ethan who declared the first move.

Pressing a tender kiss to Charlie’s forehead, Ethan suggested, “We should go to bed.”

“No, no,” Charlie shook her head, “It’s too early.”

“You have to be at work in a few hours,” Ethan reminded her, though he lacked conviction. He was just as willing to stay up all night as she was, if not more so since he didn’t have a morning shift.

“I’m a resident. I can handle a sleepless night.”

“Come on,” Ethan nudged her gently, “You’re being stubborn.”

“So are you.”

Ethan shrugged, Fair point.

Charlie eyed him warily – ready for battle. Ready for their opposing wills to dominate their minds until they were forced to pick a winner. Ready to draw blood before admitting defeat.

But then a moment passed, and it was all silly.

Charlie was tired, and Ethan would still be here in the morning. He would be there the night after, and the day after, and every day they were willing to share.

So, Charlie said, “Fine. Let’s go to bed.”

Ethan appreciated the magnanimous resolution, and he peppered her cheeks with quiet praise. Though, admittedly, he was inclined to think that everything Charlotte did was perfect. After kissing Jenner goodnight, the pair went to Ethan’s bedroom, ignoring the alarm clock on Ethan’s bedside table that would surely ruin their morning.

It wasn’t Charlie’s first time in Ethan’s bed tonight, but when she climbed into her usual place on the right side of the bed, it felt monumental.

The rose-colored glasses of their reunion lifted, and the gravity of the situation forced them back to earth. Instead of feeling silly for their reverence, they felt absurd for not having more.

War is over. The end of days never came. Insurmountable grief faded away. All the terrible things didn’t matter anymore. The past was in black and white, and the future was painted in vivid color and neon welcome signs.

Charlie is home. Charlie is in our bed. Everything is right, Ethan thought.

Charlie and Ethan tried to act casual as they settled into the sheets, but they couldn’t help but stare at the other. Their eyes were wide with meaning, communicating what neither had the bravery to say. When Charlie’s eyes began to water, Ethan quietly stroked her cheek.

After what felt like a lifetime, Ethan whispered, “I really did miss you.”

As if something like that needed to be said. As if it didn’t carry through every conversation. As if it wasn’t part of his DNA. As if she didn’t feel it with every adoring kiss and smile.

“I missed you, too,” Charlie met his honesty with her own, though her voice lacked his strength. At the slightest hint of a crack, Ethan tucked Charlie into his embrace, and Charlie took the opportunity to breath him in.

Sandalwood. Cedar. Vanilla. A hint of mint.

The smell of home, she thought.

Nestled safely in Ethan’s arms, Charlie’s eyelids grew heavy. Weeks of sleepless nights caught up with her in an instant, rendering her half-asleep in mere moments. As Ethan peered down at her, his chest squeezed with affection.

And suddenly, he knew.

He knew with absolute certainty that Charlotte Greene was his future.

He was overcome with an urge to propose right then and there. It didn’t matter that he didn’t have a ring or a plan or even ambience. Ethan just wanted to marry her. Hell, given the option, he would have run to City Hall right then and there to seal the deal.

Ethan opened his mouth to speak, but something stopped him.

We need time, he realized. The wounds were too fresh and the peace too fragile. He didn’t want to rush into anything that would endanger their precious newfound happiness, nor did he need to rush.

So, despite his overwhelming urge to the contrary, Ethan decided to wait – and it was just waiting. Not refusing or dismissing the idea. He knew they would make it, and he was sure that she would say yes when it was time.

But stopping himself from proposing didn’t eradicate all Ethan’s impulses.

No, he wasn’t out of grand gestures or over-eager requests.

“Move in with me,” Ethan blurted out.

Charlie stirred, wiping at her eyes as she sleepily asked, “What?”

“Move in with me,” Ethan repeated, less confident this time.

“You’re serious?” Charlie’s eyes widened.

“I am,” Ethan nodded, though he didn’t seem very sure. Despite his obvious commitment to the idea she move in, he didn’t have his argument ready – a rarity in itself. Ethan had never made any big life decision without a reasoned argument.

“You’re always here anyway,” Ethan softened, eagerness belying every justification, “and I want you here. All the time. I want to come home to you and share our closet, and I want to add your books to our bookshelves. We’re living in the ‘in between’ – with you sometimes living here and sometimes not. I’m tired of that. I want to be with you fully. In every way I can. This isn’t home without you.”

Charlie hesitated.

She was startled to realize that she already knew the answer. Before he even started talking, she wanted to say yes. And there was no good reason to say no.

It seemed rushed, but was it really? They’d been together for over a year, and she’d spent more nights here than anywhere else. Did time apart fundamentally change that? Did they feel so fragile that sudden changes would shatter them? Or had it been the status quo that drove them apart in the first place?

And did any of it fucking matter?

Would waiting really make things better? Would a slow approach save them from future disaster? Hiding hadn’t done them any favors, nor had abundant caution kept them from starting their relationship in the first place.

Charlie wanted to come home to Ethan. She wanted to put a name to all the things they’d silently endorsed for months, including her continued presence in this apartment. She wanted to cover the space with evidence of their relationship until it was little more than a shrine.

So, perhaps she didn’t give the offer the careful consideration it deserved. Or maybe she gave it too much consideration when the answer would always be the same.

“Yes,” Charlie blurted out.

“Wait, really?”

“Yeah,” Charlie nodded, realization creeping across her features, “My answer is yes. I want to move in with you.”

Ethan breathed a sigh of relief, happily covering her face with kisses. Between excited kisses, he assured her that she could always keep her old apartment, and he would understand if she changed her mind.

Charlie stopped him, “You don’t need to do that.”

“Do what?”

“Try to form a back-up plan,” Charlie settled her gaze on his, “I’m confident we’ll work out.”

“You are?” Ethan repeated breathlessly. It was one thing for Ethan to be blind in love, but it was quite another to realize she was just as high off this feeling.

“Yeah,” Charlie rested her hand on his chest, feeling the jackhammer of his heart, “Aren’t you?”

And amazingly, he was.

Nodding his head, Ethan whispered, “Yeah, I am.”

“Good,” Charlie leaned her head against his chest, “I love you, Ethan.”

“I love you, too, Charlotte.”

That was how they fell asleep – holding onto each other with persistent desperation and adoring reverence. Like they were so lucky to even get the opportunity to fall asleep together. Like it was a gift from the universe that they were here with each other. But it was better than fate – it was deliberate choice. It was an active effort to stay.

And it was the beginning of everything.

[headoverheelsforramsey]

Love Again

Book : Open Heart (Book 2)

Pairing : Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Meera Bose) || Feat. Tobias Carrick

Category : Angsty Fluff

Summary : He is watching his best friend fall in love for the second time and desperately praying that it doesn't lead to disastrous consequences like the first time. (Aka Open Heart Book 2 told from Tobias Carrick's point of view)

Warnings : Mentions of the maitotoxin attack

Rating : General

Word Count : 1569

Trope : Third person POV, People find out about them, Traumatic Event

A/N : This is my submission for @tobias-carrick-appreciation-week Day 3 : OH 2 and @aprilchallenge : Love is in the air. Some of the quotes have been taken directly from Pixelberry's Open Heart Book 2. Hope you guys enjoy it, happy reading! ❤️

Chapter 6

Tobias Carrick didn’t expect to meet his long lost friend turned foe today, certainly not under the humongous roof of the third richest man in America, competing against him for the sake of saving his hospital. Yet, here he was, staring at Ethan Ramsey in flesh and blood. He looks like he hasn’t aged a day, though the beard and glasses make him look more matured than he acts to be.

Hirata and Mirani following Ramsey like puppies as usual. He recognises the other doctor, from their encounter at the deli a few days back. He did not learn her name, but was shocked to see her as a part of one of the most prestigious diagnostic team in the country. A resident in her second year missing out trivial diagnosis like cyanosis, did Edenbrook and Ethan Ramsey forget how to teach?

He was enjoying this little arrangement that Bloom came up with, never missing out on a chance to one-up Ethan Ramsey. But when his “friend” stormed out the heavy wooden doors he was not surprised but disappointed. He was rather shocked when his protege followed him without thinking twice.

Before following Mr. Bloom inside he could see Ramsey and Bose in a heated argument through the glass panels. He was surprised further because in all the years he had known Ethan Ramsey he had never seen an attending talk to him that way, much less a resident, had his “friend” changed that much? His surprise continued when Ramsey came back for a chance to crack this case, but he didn’t let his face show. Does this mere resident have special persuasion powers? He decided to put his head in the game instead, because he was playing to see his “friend” lose.

Chapter 8

The sun shone brightly, the smell of hot dogs and beers engulfing the atmosphere this was one day in a year, Tobias pretends he followed his childhood dream of playing softball professionally. The doctors from both the hospitals mingled about, he had so many people to greet but in the sea of known and unknown people he certainly didn’t expect Ethan Ramsey to be there.

He has been going against Edenbrook for almost half a decade and never in all those years had he ever seen or ever expected the infamous Dr. Ramsey to grace them with his presence. What changed? He thought and almost immediately saw Meera Bose beside Ethan.

She was a decent player he thought, throwing the first pitch and being responsible for Tobias Carrick’s out was enough proof of that. But he couldn’t ignore the small smile at the corner of his “friend’s” lips whenever Bose threw a perfect pitch.

Old habit’s die hard and Tobias thought rubbing the case of Stephanie Hill while grabbing a water was the perfect plan. He raised an eyebrow when the young resident said “paitent care isn’t a game.” Good to know Ramsey passed down his virtues to his residents. But the fire he saw in Bose’s eyes on mentioning her friend’s betrayal mirrored the fire he had witnessed in his own “friend’s” eyes more than ten years ago due to a different betrayal.

The fight had grown heated but when Ethan took a protective stance in front of Meera giving Terrance a death threat Tobias was astounded. He had known this man for a very long time, was Ramsey falling for her? Because he hadn’t seen him this defensive since… before he could finish that thought, chaos broke free.

The final innings could have gone better, but one thing that always set Carrick apart from Ramsey was the ability to accept defeat. He watched as Bose ran towards the Edenbrook clan, her friends and colleague wrapping her up. As he turned to leave he watched Ethan join the crowd his eyes soft on Meera’s browns a playful smile on his lips, hands brushing lightly. Tobias’s earlier suspicion returned and as a diagnostician he thought he had an answer, but as one of Ethan Ramsey’s oldest “friend” he could do with some more evidence.

Chapter 9

Logging into his tablet, Tobias looked suspiciously at the recent activity. Ethan Ramsey, at Kenmore? He didn’t have any ongoing research projects and Ethan is not the type of man who likes to take an afternoon walk around the neighborhood.

“Doctor, the patient is ready for you,” the nurse called. Tobias nodded, opening his new patient chart and getting to work, making a mental note of catching up with Ramsey before he leaves the premises.

Tobias stopped Dr. Simpson in the middle of his presentation, was that Meera Bose? He rushed out of the patient room following her still not believing his eyes. But when he saw Mirani with her he knew something was up. Three members of the Edenbrook diagnostic team cannot be behind enemy lines at the same time co-inccidently. Calling security Tobias makes a run for it.

The two doctors make a narrow escape and he comes out just in time to see his “friend” zoom away from under his nose.

“Well played Ramsey, we’ll get you next time.”

Chapter 11

The news of Senator Ed and and his aide had spread like wildfire. Transfer patients from Edenbrook kept Tobias fairly busy, but he didn’t know why his thoughts drifted back to Meera.

“How was she doing?”

“Did they have any answers at all?”

“Is she not going to make it?”

“How was… how was Ethan doing?”

Tobias found himself choking on his own breath. In need of fresh air, he put down his tablet and took shelter in a supply closet. He doesn’t remember when was the last time he was here. More unpleasant thoughts circled his brain, Tobias punched the door out of frustration and helplessness. The door opened, and Aurora came in, the frustration and helplessness reflected on her face made Tobias decide that it was time to set aside all the age-old differences between him and Ethan and their respective hospitals.

Nothing less than a crowd was formed in front of the patient room. All of Meera’s friends, family and well-wishers stood by her side. All of them dejected and crestfallen. Ethan Ramsey stood at the forefront his heart burdened with melancholy, but too stubborn to show it in his face. Tobias had known his “friend” long enough to see right through the facade.

Tobias straightened his face, “and you won’t be alone.”

Ramsey’s face shifts from shock to thankful in a mili second and Tobias stops him right there. Everyone says their goodbye one by one and follows Baz and June into the lab. Tobias notices his “friend” not making a move.

“Shouldn’t we call Dr. Ramsey?” one of the doctors suggest.

“No. He should be there with her,” Tobias smiled. “This is where he will do the most good. Besides, I know what I am doing.” He flashes his signature smile only to receive an eye roll from Hirata.

Tobias monitored the sodium-potassium level, no this won’t work, he shaked his head. Facing another dead end, he decided its better to take a small break before getting back to work. He exited the lab and walked towards Meera’s room. The corridor lights had been dimmed, he felt like a ghost wandering the halls. He stopped in front of the window, only to see Ethan all suited up, holding Meera as close as he humanly could with the plastic barrier in between them.

He needed no more confirmations. He was sure his “friend” had fallen head over heels for Meera. It had been a long time since he had been this candid with someone, it had been so long since someone had broken all of his walls and reached for his heart and it had been so long since Ethan’s heart had shattered. Tobias was immature back then and partly responsible for what had happened but today he was not going to let that happen a second time. With renewed determination Tobias walked back towards the lab.

Just like Tobias had guessed, Ethan was still there in his hazmat suit helping Meera vomit into a basin when they returned the next morning. The child-like grin on his face on hearing about the antidote was unlike him. Tobias explained the chemistry behind their discovery, expecting atleast a couple questions from Ethan but the absence of that made him realize that he was a changed man. The sheer delight on Ethan Ramsey’s face as he administered the serum was one of a kind. He and Meera locked eyes, a silent understanding between them.

The waiting part was the worst, but once the latest lab results showed no trace of toxin in Bose’s bloodstream the entire team gathered around the patient room. Ethan sprinted through the doors, and Meera flew into his arms, tears breaking free. Ethan looked outside holding Tobias’ gaze for a little longer than necessary, while Tobias returned his signature smirk.

Chapter 17

The rumor mill had a field day with the news that the great Ethan Ramsey had kissed a resident, Meera Bose in an atrium full of people. While the betting pool regarding how long they were dating and whether Meera slept her way to the top were the hottest topic in and around the hospital, Tobias Carrick was just content that his diagnostic skills remained undefeated and he still knew his "friend" through and through.

Thank you so much if you have read till here, it means the world to me. Hope to see you go on other different adventures with me, Ethan and Meera, till then sending love and hugs your way! ❤️

Perma : @starrystarrytrouble @quixoticdreamer16 @coffeeheartaddict2 @liaromancewriter @tessa-liam @gryffindordaughterofathena @crazy-loca-blog @zahrachoices @bex-la-get @potionsprefect @schnitzelbutterfingers @a-crepusculo @custaroonie @aishwarya26 @jamespotterthefirst

Ethan x Meera : @jerzwriter @wanderingamongthewildflowers @takemyopenheart @mvalentine

+ @choicesficwriterscreations , @openheartfanfics , @tobias-carrick-appreciation-week & @aprilchallenge

Please let me know if you want to be added or removed. 💜

[lsvdw-blog]

For Choosing Me (3/?)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x f!MC

Word Count: 1.2k

Warnings; Rating: None; General

Premise: Ethan shows a different side of himself as he continues to grow closer to Serena and Alan notices.

Author’s Note: This has been queued up as I promised this part would be released this month and for once, it's fluffy ���🤗 A portion of this was taken from OH Bk 1 Chp 1 - can you guess which scene? 😉 I hope you enjoy and thank you for reading 💖

As the days go by and they come up with a plan on how to tackle this project, Serena is no more forthcoming. She remains as quiet as possible, only speaking up when she’s sure of an answer, not wanting to get chastised by Ethan.

It’s even run over to their morning chats — she’s distant and standoffish. 

Ethan is entirely confused as to where this is coming from, but he doesn’t like it one bit. 

The project requires multiple iterations of the same process and they’re nearing the end of the first cycle. In order to check their progress, they need to extract flower petals from vegetable shortening, add an equal amount of rubbing alcohol, and combine over low heat. 

As Ethan goes to discard the extracted flower petals, Serena prepares the rubbing alcohol and adds it to the vegetable shortening in the pot. 

She begins to mix the two, only to realize she added too much alcohol, diluting the shortening beyond use, rendering their first iteration futile. Days of work, gone. 

And now they’re behind. 

Serena begins to internally panic. There’s no recovering from this — the shortening and alcohol have been combined and cannot be unmixed. 

Ethan is going to be pissed. I messed up such a simple step.

She immediately tries to make herself seem smaller, hunching over the burner and mentally preparing herself to get the dressing down of her life. 

“How’s it going?”

The fact that Serena slightly jumps as Ethan comes up behind her doesn’t go unnoticed by him. When she turns to face him, her eyes are blown wide, body still shielding the pot. 

“Is everything okay?” 

Serena stares at him blankly for a few beats, before stammering. “Please don’t be mad. I added too much alcohol and now the mixture is unusable. I’m so sorry, I don’t know what got into me. It was so simple, but I couldn’t even do it right. I’m sorry, Ethan, please don’t be mad.” 

He can see the regret and guilt written all over her face. But those aren’t the emotions that concern him.

Fear. 

The most prevalent emotion displayed on her face is fear. 

As he takes a tentative step towards her and the mixture she’s still stirring, she takes a half-step back. And that’s when it dawns on Ethan that she’s scared of him. 

His heart wrenches. 

It all makes sense now; Ethan is well aware of the reputation he has built at school. While he couldn’t care less what others may think of him, it does matter to him that Serena is frightened of how he might react to a silly class-related mistake.

He’d never treat her the way he treats their other classmates. 

Ethan reaches out, steadying Serena’s trembling hand in his. When she doesn’t flinch, he takes that as a good sign, but he’s unsure if it’s just because she’s still too scared to register anything else. Either way, he interprets it as a signal to continue.

“Hey… you can do this.

“We have extras. I’ll go grab one and you can discard this one.” 

Serena swallows and nods, going to do as suggested. 

As they come back together, Serena begins to re-measure the amount of alcohol, still trembling. 

Ethan gently places his hand on her forearm. With the warmth of his skin on hers, Serena zeros in, pushing everything out of her mind except for Ethan’s voice and his touch. 

“There you go. Nice and easy.” 

Serena makes a perfect measurement, adding it to the pot. Ethan nods in approval before beginning to slowly stir the mixture. 

After the items have been combined and have cooled slightly, Ethan pours it into a jar. They work in tandem, sealing and labeling it accurately, and placing it in a dark area to process. 

They both turn to look at the clock on the wall. There’s still time to spare before class ends. 

Ethan nudges Serena with his shoulder and whispers, “See? No worries.” 

Serena looks down at the ground before looking back up at him, smiling. 

Ethan returns her smile, happy that her smile reaches her eyes. That she no longer looks at him with trepidation.

As they smile at each other, Serena’s eyes twinkle. 

This is the Ethan I know. 

~~~~~~

They find a rhythm working on their project in the weeks that follow, reverting back to their playful banter and grow even closer. They even spend time at Ethan’s, supervised by Alan, using his kitchen to continue their project. 

Alan watches them from afar, mostly leaving them to their own devices as he wouldn’t even know where to begin to help them with all of the science. 

But what he does notice is how happy his son has been lately and it doesn’t go over his head how Serena can get Ethan to genuinely smile and laugh. 

Ever since Louise left, Ethan shut down, no longer the untroubled, happy-go-lucky kid he used to be. He became cynical, grumpy, and untrusting. This, coupled with the fact that he had to grow up faster than Alan had wanted — helping out around the house, making meals for both of them, not being able to join certain extracurriculars due to lack of money or time — broke Alan’s heart. 

It’s been over three years and he’s missed seeing his boy be carefree.

Although Ethan had always loved learning, Alan has never seen Ethan look forward to school so much before. Or enjoy working on a partnered project. So to hear Ethan fully laugh from his belly, to see the corner of his eyes crinkle, observe how they stand a bit too close together and the stolen glances he throws Serena’s way, Alan knows she’s special. 

Special in her own right, but also special to Ethan. 

~~~~~~ 

“This is amazing! A+!!” Serena clutches their paper, looking down at their grade, thrilled. 

As they walk out of school together, making their way to the pick-up area, Ethan teases her, “Did you ever doubt us?” 

Serena, overcome with sheer excitement at having overcome her faux pas in the very beginning of the project, throws her arms around Ethan’s neck. 

Ethan is taken aback, his arms awkwardly frozen at a ninety-degree angle, hanging in the air. 

“Thank you for not giving up on me.”

At Serena’s comment, Ethan smiles and relaxes, his arms encircling her shoulders, avoiding her backpack. 

“Thank you for being an incredible partner.”

Serena pulls back, hands on his shoulders, and looks at him with pure joy. Before he can say more, Serena’s mom pulls up to the curb. 

“I’ll see you after Thanksgiving!” She waves goodbye as she trots over to her mom’s car. 

Ethan can hear her squealing in delight as she tells her mom about their successful project. His hands are still tingling from their hug as he shoves them into his front pockets. 

He can’t help the smile that spreads, but also can't help the disappointment at the hug being too short. 

It isn’t until he’s on his way home, riding with Alan, that Serena’s words hit him. 

Thanksgiving. Five whole days away from school, responsibilities, classmates. 

And just like that, Ethan’s high fades and he’s left with the realization that it’s also five whole days away from her: the girl with the butterfly clips in her hair.