#lahamseiroshoe writes

[crystalwillow]

Hang The Job

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x Casey Valentine

Word Count: 2.7K

Warning: Content includes the sexual harassment (in the workplace). If this makes you uncomfortable please skip over these parts (I will put then in purple), or click off of this writing/keep scrolling and I will be back with something lighter and friendly to everyone soon 😊❤

Tagging: @eleanorbloom @brycelahelalover @sophxwithers @princesslahela @queenofboops

Summary: What if Bryce was Casey's mentor instead of Ethan? Would she face the same struggles in getting him to go public with their relationship? Or would he happily come out with it when the bullying from other interns enters his O.R?

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Excitement.

That is what’s currently buzzing between the interns that are gathered in the surgical staff room of Edenbrook Hospital in front of their attending, Dr Lahela, who is about to announce who has the lead on a very exciting (for them) surgery. They were all chattering animatedly amongst themselves. All but one that is, who stood at the back of the rabble with their energy that of nervousness. Her name is Dr Casey Valentine, a young and very promising surgeon. Dr Lahela sings her praises quite a bit. Much to the annoyance of the other interns. They’ve been there merely 3 months and he’s sung her praises more than most, but what can she do? She can’t help that she’s naturally talented and good at surgeries. She can’t help that she was top of her class in med school. She can’t even help the fact that none of the other interns seem to want to even attempt to get to know her. 

“She’s probably sleeping with him.” one intern whispered to another

“Probably, it wouldn’t surprise me. It’s probably how she passed med school.”

"Though, I can see why he'd fuck her. She's probably amazing in bed. It's a shame scrubs are baggy."

The pair laughed together blissfully unaware Casey had heard them, and blissfully unaware that their attending had as well. 

“Ahem. Attention interns!” Dr Lahela shouted from the front of the room, holding up his hand to gather everyone's attention and soon the room fell into an excitable silence. 

“This is it.” Dr Bree shrilled excitedly grabbing the hand of the intern next to her as Casey leant against the wall in silence hoping and praying she didn’t get the lead. 

She wanted it of course, but if she got it then everyone else in that room would just have one more reason to hate her, to make sure they took the good food at the cafeteria before she could get to it and have a decent lunch. As Dr Lahela started up his talk before announcing who has received the lead, Casey closed her eye as she silently hoped and prayed she hadn’t got it.

“Please don’t let me have it. Please.” she begged silently in her head. 

“...and so, the intern that has the lead on this surgery because of their skill and dedication is; Dr Casey Valentine.”

As she heard her name carry to her ears from his voice her heart sank and her stomach flipped. It should have been from joy and gratefulness for being given the opportunity, but it was of unwilling dread instead. 

“Dr Valentine?” he asked.

But she didn’t look in his direction, she avoided looking at him altogether even as she felt his gaze burst into the side of her skull. 

“Dr Valentine.” he repeated. 

“Uh… sorry. I’ve got to-” she spoke and then ran out of the door and to the nearest restroom where she closed herself in a stall with a resounding slam before sliding down the door shuddering as silent tears escaped her. 

Confused, Dr Lahela dismissed the rest of the interns before turning to seek out Dr Harper Emery. As they neared the restrooms, they slowed their pace. 

“And what exactly happened?” Harper asks.

“I… I’m not sure. I gave her the news, she was zoned out but then came back to reality, freaked out and ran away.” Bryce explains. 

Harper nods with a small hum before pushing the door open, stopping at the threshold. “Get back to work Dr Lahela. I’ll see to things here.” she says over her shoulder before disappearing into the restrooms.

It wasn’t difficult to identify which stall Casey had closed herself in as there was only one door that was closed and Casey watched as Harper came to a stop in front of it. 

“Dr Valentine?” she asked with a hesitant knock.

“There’s other stalls.” Casey called out.

“That’s not why I’m saying your name. Can you open the door please.”

“N-no.”  

“Dr Valentine, I’m going to need you to open this door.”

“I don’t want to.”

“I understand that, but as the only woman that will check up on you because I’m not being petty over your abilities shining through more than mine, I don’t think you have much of a choice. The longer you keep us both from our work the more severe the amount of trouble we get into will be.”

Casey sat and thought over Harper’s words for a moment before leaning forwards with a sigh to unlock the door. Cautiously, Harper pushed it open and frowned sympathetically as she saw Casey with her head to her knees. 

“Casey…” she sighed with the warm affectionate tone of a mother as she crouched in front of her. “Why are you hiding out in here? What’s the matter?” 

“Nothing.”

“People don’t get announced as the lead on a massive surgery and run off as upset as you have. Something’s clearly going on here. Tell me.”

Casey looks at Harper for a brief moment before tucking her head back to her knees as more silent tears leave her eyes. 

“What about if we go to my office. Will you talk to me there?”

Casey looks up at her again and after a moment gives a subtle nod and Harper outstretches a hand to pull her up. Five minutes later, Casey is sat in a chair positioned  in Harper’s office around a small round coffee table. Harper crosses the room with 2 mugs of coffee and sits in the chair next to Casey’s.

“Come on, tell your Aunt Harper all about it. Why are you so upset about getting this lead?”

“Because I didn’t want it.” Casey responds numbly in a quiet voice.

“Why not? You’re a brilliantly talented surgeon. You have the skill set and determination to carry this through, I don’t understand why you wouldn’t want it.”

“Because I’m sick of not having any surgical friends and hearing whispers about how I must be sleeping with Dr Lahela to earn my praise, and it must be the only thing I know how to do. The other interns have bets on how many professors I’ve slept with to get a good grade throughout my life. And they even have bets on who can get me to open my legs to them first.”

As Casey stops to blow her nose Harper sits there with her mouth hung in shock at the things she is hearing. 

“So no,” Casey continues, “I didn’t want the lead. But not because I didn’t want to not get it, because I want the bets, jeering, taunting, just everything I have to endure from every other intern. I want it to stop but all Dr Lahela can say to me is how I should just ignore them, it will stop then; he had the same problem. But it’s not the same, because he's a guy and I’m a woman and he will never understand how disgusting I feel with those things going on even though everything they’re saying is untrue.”

A silence hung in the air after Casey finished spilling her emotions on the table and sagged with a shaking sob, Harper clenched her jaw. 

“Excuse me a moment.” Harper stated as she rose to her feet. Casey gave a nod and Harper left the room in search for Bryce. 

When Harper finally found Bryce 10 minutes later, he was in the break room with another surgeon. Harper greeted them with a smile as they passed by with their to-go cup of coffee and stopped next to Bryce as he stood in front of the coffee machine to make his own drink.

"Dr Em-" 

"What are you playing at?" Harper said her annoyance clear.

"What do mean? I'm making-"

"Not that." she all but hissed. "Giving Dr Valentine that lead despite knowing what's going on with her and the other interns." 

"Hey. Calm down, she won the lead based skill and merit."

"You and I may know that but those other interns do not. Do you have any idea what Casey is going through? What they say about her!?" 

"Of course I do. She's told me but she just has to igno-"

"Ignoring doesn't make the bets go away Dr Lahela!" Harper seethes deeply as she slams her palm on the side.

"Wh-what bets?" Bryce asks.

"Oh you don't know about those? The bets the others have on who can get her to open her legs to them first. Or the taunting of them saying sleeping with people to get to the top is all she knows? They're practically calling her a slut Dr Lahela and you're doing nothing to help it!" 

Bryce flinches as Harper gets angrier by the second. 

"She is up there in my office bawling her eyes out because of it and the fact you're just making it worse. So you either get a hold of those interns or you stop, in their eyes; mean every other intern, favouring Casey. Because I do not want to see an amazing, brilliant and bright doctor walk from their job because of workplace misconduct. Have I made that clear!?" 

"Y-yes, Dr Emery." Bryce stutters.

"Good." She retorts then spins on her heel leaving the room, heading back to the office.

When she arrives back Casey has disappeared and Harper looks around with a frown before her eyes land upon a note on her desk. 

‘Gone back to work. Dr Valentine’

With a weary sigh Harper crumples the note and tosses it into the trash beside her desk before reclaiming her seat and refocusing on her work. 

Many hours later after a grueling shift, Casey emerged from the staff dressing rooms to find Bryce waiting outside. 

“Dr Lahela!” she exclaims with a start, placing a hand over her heart. 

“Sorry.” he smiles apologetically. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“I-it’s fine. Did… you need something? I was just about to head out for the night.” Casey responds.

“I did. Would you mind coming with me?”

“Oh! O-of course.” 

Casey shoulders her bag and follows Bryce through a series of corridors before coming to a large meeting room where a majority of the other interns are waiting. One looks at the door as Casey enters timidly, keeping her head down. She takes a seat separated from everyone else at the back of the room. 

“Right.” Bryce says sternly, his gaze looking for Casey. “Dr Valentine, if you could join me up the front please.”

Swallowing harshly, Casey joins him up the front though her gaze remains on the floor. 

“Now then.” Bryce continues, addressing the room; “It has been brought to my attention today by Dr Emery that despite my many warnings to you all regarding your teasing of Dr Valentine here, you’ve decided to continue with this behaviour. Not only that, you’ve decided to take it a step further and begun to sexually harass and bully Dr Valentine. Place bets on unspeakable things and make rude remarks about her that are simply opinion and not fact!” he shouts getting angrier by the second.

A deafening silence is cast over the room for a moment as the anger behind Bryce’s words settles in. He clears his throat to break the silence as he turns to Casey. 

“Dr Valentine. How have their words made you feel?”

“I… don’t want to do this. Dr Lahela, please.” she pleads quietly shrinking away towards the wall behind her. “They’ll just laugh at me, say it’s what I deserve.”

“And you’d be right.” A bulky intern retorts upon hearing Casey’s words. “It’s all little sluts like you deserve. Opening your legs to any and every superior to get to the top of any class, leaving the rest of us at the bottom like scum.”

“Maybe that because that’s exactly what you are. Dr Rolandale” Bryce bites back angrily. 

“Excuse me?” 

“You heard me perfectly well you lowlife, fuckboy.” Bryce spits causing the other interns to gasp. “If that is how you’re going to speak to your colleagues and behave in my O.R. then you can leave.”

“What? You can’t seriously be sticking up for her!” Dr Rolandale exclaims, “Or has she promised to fuck you tonight and you need to keep her sweet?”

“Hand over your badge.” Bryce says even more angry than before as he shoves his hand out. “Your internship here is terminated. Effective immediately.”

Dr Rolandale stares at Bryce with his mouth agape as Bryce stares back at him angrily. After a brief moment Dr Rolandale removes his badge from his bag and slams it into Bryce’s hand. 

“You’re dismissed.” Bryce hisses and points to the door. “The rest of you remain seated.”

Bryce heads to the main table at the front of the room and throws the badge down then looks up to address the room. “Anyone else who wishes to maintain the same talk in my O.R. can add their badge to the pile and leave this room as well. I will not accept this behaviour from grown ass 27 and 28 year olds who know better. What Dr Valentine gets upto in her spare time is her business. What I get up to in my spare time is my business. So I will say it again, anyone who wishes to follow Dr Rolandale can place their badge in the pile and leave this hospital and my O.R.”

Another moment of silence follows his statement before 5 more doctors come forward placing their badges on the table, leaving out of the door. Bryce grips the back of a chair looking at each one of them with disgust as they step forward. 

Casey keeps her eyes downcast the entire time until Bryce speaks up again, the anger in his demeanour and voice clearly masked to the best of his ability. 

“I’m trusting that those of you who have stayed in this room do not share the same views about Dr Valentine as those who have just left.”

“No, Dr Lahela” They say in unison. 

Bryce nods as he takes in every face in the room. “I never want to hear of this in my O.R. ever again. Is that understood?”

They all nod in understanding, the shame on their face due to their actions evident as Casey looks up briefly.

“I suggest you go home and have a long hard think about what stress and turmoil you have put Dr Valentine through for the duration that this has been going on. Everything she has ever done, everything she had ever “won” has been through pure determination, skill, and dedication to her job. Opportunities she has been given, you would have had too had you been more focused on the reason you are actually here instead of being complicit participants in workplace harassment. This meeting is the last verbal warning I am giving you. Anymore and you will start to lose your jobs.”

“Yes, Dr Lahela.” They respond again in unison.

Bryce nods satisfied. “You are dismissed. But Dr Valentine, I would like you to stay please. We need to talk.”

Casey stands quietly beside the wall as the remaining of her fellow interns file out of the room, heading home for the evening. Once they are gone, Bryce drops into a seat with a thud and points to the one opposite him. She timidly takes the seat though her gaze remains downcast as she focuses on fiddling with her keychain. 

“Hey.” Bryce coos softly, reaching out to her as his anger towards the other interns dissipates “Look at me.”

After a few moments, Casey sniffles and looks up reluctantly to meet his brown orbs with her swollen, red, and puffy forest greens. She gives him a sad smile accompanied by a shrug. “Thanks” she says, but when she speaks her voice is hoarse and broken. 

“You don’t need to thank me. I’m your attending, addressing issues like this is also what I’m here for.” he smiles softly. “We may be dating outside of work, and yes it’s… unethical, but as humans we can’t help who we’re attracted to. I don’t know what work will bring for us from now on. But I do know one thing… I have feelings for you Casey Valentine and I’d be damned if I let some work ethics get in the way of us discovering who we could be. Together.”

Casey smiles softly as he takes her hand in his and gives a gentle squeeze. 

“How are you single for such a beautiful man?” Casey smiles, her voice remaining quiet.

“I just… haven’t found my person. Well… I may have with you. But… who knows? Only time will tell.”

Casey smiles and thanks Bryce a few more times before they leave the room. They embrace each other as Casey relays her thanks once more with a sniffle before turning away from him and heading home for the night. 

[mm2305]

Fever

Pairings : Dr. Ethan Ramsey & f! MC Dr. Olivia Valentine

Rating : Teen

Disclaimer : All characters belong to pixelberry and all rights for the song belong to the rightful owners.

Description : Towards the end of the gala in book 2, chapter 17, a karaoke game is hosted.

Authors note : Hello everyone! This fic was inspired by 1) my love for OH and romance, 2)conversations with people from the fandom and 3) my love for this song. I recommend listening to the song featured on this story, which is "fever" by Peggy Lee, just to have an idea of why I think this song is so fitting for our dear couple. English isn't my first language and this is my first attempt at an Ethan x MC fic, so please be kind with me. Now it's story time! Enjoy!

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The evening was progressing rather nicely, people having a good time,talking and mingling with the crowd, trying to do the best they could to save Edenbrook. Deep down, the hospital staff knew that this last effort, the gala, would just delay the inevitable closing of the hospital. However, there was no way they'd go down without a fight. At the very least, the hospital for as long as it would remain open, would be able to cater to those in need of medical care. Of course, apart from helping people and working there, Edenbrook had become a home to all of the doctors and nurses. Friendships, rivalries, love and pain were parts of the lives of all those people who worked in the hospital.

Things for a certain attending and resident were finally starting to become clearer. It seems that a future of them finally being together was nothing but inevitable.

Olivia couldn’t be more surprised by Ethan kissing her in front of all these people, when just a few months ago he didn’t want to pursue a relationship with her. The attraction and care they felt towards each other,were things they had both realized they felt a long time ago, but they hadn't acted on their feelings. After her albeit brief, but agonizing, brush with death though, the both of them, realized that they shouldn’t waste any more precious time just pining for one another. Dreaming, gazing, yearning for each other's touch and smile. This time, the both of them would take the leap and try. They cared for one another deeply and despite the fact that they hadn’t said the three magical words yet, it was pretty obvious that they did feel the same love and adoration for one another.

So here they are, now as a couple, after hours of talking and persuading people to contribute to their cause. The night would be soon drawing to an end but Naveen had a surprise in store for everyone.

‘’ Ladies and gentlemen thank you all for coming here tonight. We are all grateful for your help and support through these tough times. Before this wonderful night ends we have a surprise for you all. Grab your microphones and let your inner singer soar because we are hosting a karaoke game!’’, he announced with a huge smile.

The crowd cheered and applauded, thrilled for the chance to take part in this last event. This would undoubtedly be very fun and exciting for everyone.

‘’ Wooo! Get ready! ‘Cause ya’ll are about to hear my amazing voice! ‘’

‘’ I think we’ll pass scalpel jockey ‘’, Jackie smirked.

‘’ Jackie you’re no fun you know that right? How about you Oliv? Gonna sing something?‘’

‘’ Mmm… Yeah ‘'

’' At least you have a nice voice unlike some people here ‘’

'' You jealous of me Jackiee? You know that-''

‘’ Wait, you do? How come I didn’t know this Olivia? ‘’, Ethan interrupted, partly surprised. There was a spark in her eyes. "She definitely is up to something." he thought watching her carefully, trying to guess what she could be up to.

‘’Well Ethan it’s not like I sing all the time. Just when I’m in the mood. Okay wish me luck everyone! ‘’, Olivia walked away from the group and went up to grab the microphone.

‘’ Hello everybody! I’m Kyra Santana, a former patient of Edenbrook and now a member of the accounting department. However, at the moment I’m your host for this last part of our gala. Our first contestant is our very own, brilliant and gorgeous, Dr Olivia Valentine who is going to sing a song as beautiful and sensual as herself. Let’s all welcome Olivia singing ‘’Fever’’ by Peggy Lee!! ‘’

After a soft encouragement from Kyra she took the mic.

‘’This song is for someone special to me, who has made me feel things I never thought I would. For you. ‘’ Olivia said looking straight into Ethan’s loving eyes.

Never know how much I love you

Never know how much I care

As soon as she started singing, Ethan was left speechless. "She loves me? She loves me? Oh gosh. Oh gosh. Do I feel the same way? What do I say to her?". Ethan didn't need to think long about that. He knew he loved her. He had for a long time. When he thought he would lose her forever, it was like his world crumbled around him. She was his world. And he wouldn't waste any more time. With a nod to himself, he decided to tell her about his feelings too. If she could be so brave as to pour her feelings into a song and to admit her love for him in front of all these people, then he could find the courage to let his walls down. He was already hers in every single way.

When you put your arms around me

I get a fever that’s so hard to bear

Olivia moved her hips sensually to the rhythm of the music, never breaking contact with Ethan's eyes. She could see the initial surprise when she started singing, telling to him and the world that she loved him. However that surprise turned quickly into what she could only describe as love. He had a drink in his hand but he hadn't taken a sip since she got to the "stage". His eyes were taking in her every move mesmerized and she could see the slight blush on his cheeks. With a wink she broke contact to look at her friends. They were all wearing huge smiles on their faces and quietly supporting her, as always.

You give me fever, when you kiss me

Fever when you hold me tight

When she got to that part of the song she returned her gaze to Ethan who was now smiling warmly at her. With an answering smile if her own, she mischievously turned her back on him swaying her hips and got to move around the stage.

Fever in the mornin’,

a fever all through the night

Truer words had never been spoken. Olivia was on his mind, day and night, occupying his thoughts. He kept thinking of her joyous laugh, her bright green eyes and her soft touch every time of the day. And he wouldn't have it any other way.

Olivia finished her performance and was applauded by the guests there. As she began to step down from the ‘’ stage’’, she felt strong arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her close.

‘’You were absolutely amazing out there love.’’

Before she had a chance to reply, he grasped her waist tightly and kissed her passionately drawing ‘’woos’’ and ‘’ finally’s ‘’ from the crowd cheering them on.

‘’Thank you!’’ she whispered, still a little dazed from their kiss, eyes bright with love and excitement.

‘’For the record, you give me fever every time I see you too, Olivia . I … Every single time. You’re so smart, beautiful and a colossal PITA but… you’re my Rookie. I'm so honored to call you mine. I wouldn’t change that for the world, you know that right? I… I love you too Oliv, so much and I just want you it to be happy and…’’

He was interrupted by his girlfriend’s (he couldn’t believe it, yet it's true) sweet loving kiss.

‘’I know Ethan. It was pretty obvious to me, without you having said the words. But I'll never tire of hearing it. I am so so happy now. And all because of you."

Ethan took her hand and kissed the back of it. "Let’s go home shall we? I have to show you just how much fever you give me, after all.‘’

" I thought you'd never ask "

Ethan led her towards the exit, holding her small soft hand in his big one, while waving goodbye to their friends, having a huge grin in his face.

The night was young and they planned to take advantage of it.

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This is it folks! Thank you for reading!

A special thanks to @caseyvalentineramsey and @actuallybored for encouraging me to try and write this. Also a big thank you to @romewritingshop for being the most amazing beta. 🙏❤️❤️

Taglist :

@romewritingshop @codykosuckmytoe @sophxwithers @actuallybored @potionsprefect @caseyvalentineramsey @ethansramsey @rookie-ramsey @lahamseiroshoe @gryffindordaughterofathena @kiara-36 @mrsethanfreakingramsey @brooks-eden @panda9584 @genevievemd @arnikki-2406 @jamespotterthefirst

Please let me know if you want to be added or removed :)

[kinda-iconic]

Tagging: @bloodboundismylife @shelley-parah @nala-raines @lauren-raines-x @adrianadmirer @choicesfannatalie @flowerpowell @adriansbiss @tays-role-plays @caroldxnvxrs @lahamseiroshoe

I have been working on posting more of my writing, but unfortunately have not been able to. I have, however, got a little mini peek ready for my Ultrasound fic (Adrian x MC) that I thought I’d share.

Apologies for the absence - there’s been a lot happening.

Anyhoo...

‘It is always good to receive another mother’s advice, regardless as to whether they are your own,’ she smiles warmly at the pair, her happiness only brightening as she catches sight of the screen; the nurse refocuses her attention on the couple, her voice tainted with giddiness.

‘Are you ready to see your baby?’

‘Y-yes.’

She turns the monitor towards them, the transducer still slowly moving across Amy’s abdomen; at first, all Adrian and Amy can see is darkness, but as they focus, a soft, grey image comes into view.

‘Is…’ he hesitates, his breath catching in his throat as his eyes linger on the picture, ‘is that…’

‘It most certainly is.’

[eleanorbloom]

Adore You (Bryce x MC) 🍋🍋🍋

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x F! MC (Eleanor Bloom)

Warnings: N.S.F.W. Cursing.

Prompt: Day 23. Dry Humping | Breasts Worship | Frottage (Mods, I know I’m late, please forgive me 😭😭😭)

A/N: Hellooooo everyone! This is my official last kinktober fic. I have still a few half written but I’ll post them some other time. I actually no need a fest to write and post smut at this point 🤣 so I hope you don’t mind if I tag you in smut fics in the future. If you don’t want to be tagged anymore, just let me know!

I swear, I SWEAR I DIDN’T COPY BRYCE WORDS FROM LAST CHAPTER. I had this fic sleeping for two weeks, but I didn’t have the inpo to finish this until a couple of days.

A/N 2: Nikka, whether you read this on Tumblr or AO3, I hope you don’t mind. That’s all I have to say.

A/N3: This fic follows the events of Eighth Deadly Sin, my first kinkntober fic.

Taglist: @romewritingshop @utterlyinevitable @starrystarrytrouble @lahellacute  @lahamseiroshoe  @princesslahela @hermosaofraleighcarrera @choicesficwriterscreations @lucy-268 @interobanginyourmom  @bratzlahela @mercury84choices @openheartfanfics​

I hope you enjoy it!

______

The chatting of June and Baz was the first thing she heard when the doors slid open. “Hey, you okay?” Baz said looking at Eleanor from head to toes, her cheeks rosy and her face somewhat shimmering against the artificial light hanging over her head.

“Yeah, why?” She knew why, but she had to play the dumb. Luckily, it would work out with him. 

“You’re all blushed.” He chuckled. “Don’t tell me the pager found you at the other end of the building. I hate when that happens.”

Eleanor’s cheeks flushed even more. Not even the light pace and the quick stop to the bathroom to alleviate the heat on her face had been enough.

What could she say? ‘Oh, no, it’s just that I gave my boyfriend a massive blowjob in a supply closet, don’t worry, it’ll pass?’ Hell no.

“Actually yeah, I was heading to the E.R.”

‘They’re fucking diagnosticians, I bet June already knows what I was into. Baz would never, he’s too oblivious, and Ethan… I don’t know if his mind will go directly to the gutter just because I’m blushed. Oh, the hell with it, no one has caught me in anything.’

Eleanor tried to move on by taking a seat beside Baz and asking for an update on the case they’ve been trying to diagnose the whole day. A few seconds later, Ethan walked towards the table and informed her of the last results as he started to cross out some theories written over the whiteboard. 

The rest of the day went in a blur trying to discard some other theories, until, finally, Baz came up with the final idea.  

Once her shift was over, she changed her scrubs for a gray wool skirt with a green mint sweater, put her black jacket on, grabbed her bag, and after a few minutes of walking under the snow, she took the train towards Bryce’s apartment. 

The delicious smell floating around the apartment invaded her nostrils the moment Keiki opened the door. “Hey Ella, glad I get to see you!”

“Hey Keiki, me too.” Eleanor gave her a quick hug before the younger Lahela returned to the table and placed three glasses and three napkins in their usual spots.

Eleanor took a few steps to the couch to set her bag there when she noticed Keiki’s backpack was set there too, but completely full as if it was ready for a trip or something.  “Are you going somewhere?”

“Yeah, I’m staying over at a friend’s house tonight. We have a physics test tomorrow and she asked me to help her study, she couldn’t handle some topics.”

“Awww, and as the future astronomer of the family, of course you’ll use your star power to help her. That’s really nice of you.”

“She has been really sweet with me since the beginning, one of the few that didn’t judge me for my parents.” She shrugged and gave Eleanor a shy smile. “And I actually enjoy teaching physics, so…”

“I’m glad you have friends here, Keiki.”

Eleanor smiled at her before sauntering to the kitchen where Bryce was turning off the griller. He was wearing a pine green hoodie with dark jeans. His normal winter outfit at home. “Hey, love. This smells fantastic” She took him by the hips and lean on his tiptoes to kiss him. He smooched back sweetly.

“Hey, gorgeous. And I bet it’s tasting even better” He winked.

“Look at you, four months ago you didn’t even know how to cook pasta and now, all confident as if it was an appendectomy.”

“What can I say? I’m talented and I put everything in me when I’m interested in something.”

“Of course you do, Goldie.” She patted him on his head, teasingly.

Bryce chuckled and without prior notice, he bent down her face and licked her cheek wet and long.

“Bryce!” She giggled.  “What the fuck?!” Eleanor brought a hand over her cheek to dry the trail of saliva Bryce had left.

“If I’m gonna be a Goldie to you, I have to be in full mode, don’t you think?” He leaned again, but this time Eleanor moved as a reflex. However, Bryce was faster, so he managed to cup her head with both hands. But he only leaned to brush his lips over her earlobe before whispering, “And once Keiki’s gone, I’ll do it everywhere, so get used to it.”

She gulped and a shiver went down her spine and ended between her tights. Yes, just that simple words, that sole thought left her all wet. She had been imagining to be alone with Bryce in his room every spare time she found that afternoon. But alone in his apartment? Hell, no. 

Karma was definitely manifesting.

He gave her a smug grin at her reaction before turning around and grab a spoon from the drawer.

After shaking off the sinful thoughts off her head, she strolled to his side, to help him serve the dinner: grilled beef with rice and vegetables.

Half an hour later, Eleanor was doing the dishes, when Keiki’s cellphone rang.

“Okay, Nikka’s mother is here to pick me up, I’m leaving!” Keiki pocketed her cellphone in her jacket and then flung her backpack over her shoulder in one swift motion. “Bye Ella, nice to see you!” She blew her a kiss fast as she was approaching the door.

“You too, Keiki, have a nice study session and I hope you ace that test tomorrow.”

“Thank you! Bye bro!”

“You have everything you need with you? Phone charger, pajamas, pads, wallet, money, EarPods, books, pencils, pencil case?”

“Bryce! Stop messing. I have everything with me.”

“Well, I may not be your father, but I have to do the usual questions adults do to teenagers when they make sleepovers.”

“Oh, and you’re an adult? I would’ve never guessed.” She snorted before getting out of the apartment.

Eleanor chuckled from the kitchen, “I love that kid.”

“You don’t miss a moment, do you?” He said as he saw Eleanor placing the last plate on the dish dryer, and then walked towards her to wrap his arms around her hips, pressing his body flush to hers.

“You don’t miss a moment when we’re alone, do you?” She teased her hands over his and turning her head to one side so Bryce could kiss her cheek.

“I’ve been wishing to be alone with you here for months, so, no, I won’t miss a single second.” He kissed down to her jaw, to finally rest his lips on the crook of her neck for a couple of seconds, until finally went up to her earlobe, sucking it playfully. His hands slid up to her waist, ribcage until he reached her breasts. “At last. I’ve been imagining them in my hands since you left the supply closet.”

Eleanor lolled her head back, resting it over his shoulder, not doing even the slightest effort to dissimulate the pleasure his hands were provoking in her. 

There was no need.

“What else have you been imagining?”

“Well, for starters, getting rid of all your clothes until I have you completely naked over me.” Bryce sank a hand under her sweater and blouse and Eleanor felt his soft warm skin gripping her. Then his hand traveled up her chest, his fingers teasingly percolating under the fabric of her bra. 

“Fuck”, she sighed. “And what do you want me naked for?”

 “I want you naked so I can touch your tits and pinching them, kissing them, sucking them, hard, so hard, just as you like…” A soft moan escaped her mouth, and then, a whimper died in her throat when he pulled the lace down and pinched one nipple with his thumb and index. “And I touch you… and I suck you until you cum, until you shake over me…”

Bryce was about to tug her sweater out when a noise at the door startled them. The only thing he reacted to do, was pulling his hands out of her clothes, and place them in her hips.

And of course, to perform his best nonchalant face.

“Sorry, tomorrow I have p.e. and forgot my snickers!” Keiki said in a hurry, running to Bryce’s room, where she had all her clothes and shoes.

Bryce feigned to be really focused on only kissing Eleanor on the cheek. “God… this kid… I asked her if she had everything”, he complained loudly like they weren’t doing anything sinful before she got in. They walked to the hallway, Bryce not freeing Eleanor a single inch from his body, always wrapping her from the back, and somehow both managing the blush.

“Dude, give her some space” The girl teased, with her snickers on one hand before disappearing behind the door.

Bryce waited only a couple of seconds before sinking his hands under Eleanor’s shirt again, and whispered sultrily against her ear: “Now, where were we?” 

“Let’s check that she goes this time, okay?” Eleanor untangled herself from Bryce’s arms and walked toward the living room window and looked down. After a minute, Keiki ran toward a SUV, where she got in. Seconds later, the car turned around the corner and disappeared. 

Completely sure no one would interrupt them, Eleanor turned around and smiled at him “Now, where were we?” She repeated, before pouncing over Bryce and kissing him passionately.  As the exchange escalated quickly into desperate bites for their bodies, none of them couldn’t help the ragged breaths and soft moans escaping from their throats.

Bryce, finally, at last, could tug her shirt and sweater off, only leaving her with her indigo bra. The same happened with her skirt, and the only thing that was left was her black pantyhose. “I can help you with that,” She said peeling herself from the delicate fabric. 

When she looked up again to resume the kiss, she found her boyfriend already contemplating. There was something soft beyond all that hunger and desire. “You’re always so stunning, babe.”

“And you are beautiful and hot, and sexy, and I need to see more of you.” She purred, sliding her hands under his shirt, feeling his chiseled hips tensing at her touch.  She grabbed the hem of his Henley, and pulled it off, exposing his broad and muscled chest, smooth and warm, radiating the most exquisite heat that always characterizes him. That makes him the best hugger in the world. “Mmmmh yes.”

“I thought I was the one who wanted you naked.”

“I didn’t have the chance to tell my fantasy. And my fantasy is feeling your skin and all your heat against mine.”

"You can't resist my body, eh?" He gloated while Eleanor was unbuckling his jeans and tugging them down his ankles.

"No, I can't. Clothes are definitely a nuisance if it’s on you.”

Bryce took two steps to get rid of them and circled his arms around the small of her back. "What, would you want me naked all day if you could?"

“Should be in the ten commandments.”

“I really am nothing but a piece of meat to you, eh?”

“Yeah, that’s why I ate you out so good this afternoon.” She pouted and gave him a knowing smirk.

Bryce bit his lip, fascinated. “In that case, I demand you’re my piece of meat tonight.” 

“Bon Appetit, then, mon amour” And she captured her lips in his, thirsty, before circling her arms around his neck. Bryce lifted her up in one motion and carried her to the couch, where he sat down carefully, and Eleanor shifted her legs so they could straddle him.

They kissed passionately, fervently, voraciously. Being alone in the department was being such a turn on, more than they could’ve imagined. It was like all the passion, the longing and desire bottled up in all those months, were finally uncorking with every touch, every breath, every moan. “God, I feel like I’m gonna fuck you in so many ways, and everywhere…” He breathed, leaving a trail of kisses down her jaw.

“Except for Keiki’s bed, right?”

“Yeah, except that, that’s sacred.”

She chuckled, “Thank god you have some common sense.”

He continued pressing his lips now against her neck, sucking deeply when he reached her clavicle.

“Bryce, how many times I have to tell you… fuck”, his hands gripping her breasts roughly stopped her, the pressure on her skin making her anticipation grow inside her. After a few seconds, he moved both hands to her back and unclasped her bra, tossing it to the floor impatiently.

He didn’t wait a second before sucking her nipple with her mouth and pinching the other with his fingers.

She sighed. 

“All fucking afternoon imagining your tits in my mouth, sucking them hard... And finally…” When he sucked the other nipple, Eleanor moaned and started to buck her hips. 

“Holy shit, baby”

God. His hot breath against her sensitive skin, his expert and quick movements against her buds made her pleasure invade every fiber of her body.

Then, Bryce sank a hand in her underwear and grabbed her butt, but he stopped after a few seconds. “Baby, you’re not as I imagined you.” He whispered sultry, hooking the hem of her underwear with her thumb.

“I can fix that very quickly” She assured, and then stood up in front of him, both breasts wet and shiny with his saliva, and her nipples red and erected in his direction. 

 Eleanor took both sides of his lacy indigo underwear down, and now was standing completely naked in front of him. “That’s better?” 

Bryce leaned to her and slid his hands to her sides, his eyes roaming her body from her toes, up her curvy and rounded tights, and stopping in her hipbones, where he kissed them softly and ceremoniously at each side. Then a trail of kisses following up her waist, breasts, and chest. Eleanor straddled him again, so he continued on her shoulders, neck until he reached her chin and stopped. “My love, you are… god, I think words are not enough this time.” His voice was husky and low. Intimate. His gaze intense and transparent. Breathtaking. It made her heart skip a beat the way he was looking at her. And the way he was calling her. 

There were a few times when Bryce would use the words my love. It’s not that Eleanor wasn’t his love, but he only used those when he was completely and perfectly and incandescently in love. Enamored. Bewitched. Like a golden retriever trained only to love and worship her.

Just like now.

“Then show me”

“I will.”

She pressed her lips against his impatiently. She was burning inside, and she knew the fabric of his boxer was already wet with her arousal. 

He kissed down her chest again, hands roaming all over her body while his tongue was licking her nipple. “Fuck, yes” She whimpered, rubbing her nub against his crotch, finding some relief, but the desire was too much. The sensations, overwhelming. His soft touch on her skin, tracing the curves of her back, gripping her ass, pressing her hips while his mouth was sucking her breast hard was mind-blowing. She was dizzy, she lost all focus, there were so many places when she was feeling pleasure, and above all that pleasure, she could feel the love, every touch, every studied move he was doing, not only to please her and make her come, but to show her how much he loved her. 

He was adoring her.

“Bryce… Bryce…” She moaned “Ohhh, fuck” 

 Then he parted a little from her, took both breasts with his hands, and brought them as close as he could and began to lick them alternately and quickly like he had two ice cream cones and was tasting one at a time.  

“Bryce, baby, you’re amazing.” She cried, sensing her folds almost painfully swollen, and her climax near.

“I told you I’d make you cum this way”

“And I believed the very second you told me so.”

Bryce brought a hand to her waist and pulled her closer to him, pressing her against his tights, her sex tickling, craving for touch, but she needed to reach that so wanted orgasm only with her tits. She knew Bryce would do it amazingly.  

He brought the tip of his tongue back to her nipple and Eleanor brought both hands to his head, forcing him to stay there for a while. “Ohh baby I’m so close.”

He frantically slid the tip of his tongue into one nipple, then the other, and when he determined which was the one that caused her the most pleasure, he simply asked to confirm. "You prefer this one, right?" He whispered sucking her right breast, and Eleanor nodded with a small voice.

“Yes…”

Bryce continued to grab both breasts, but he slid his tongue down her right nipple and stayed there, waiting for her release.

“Come on, my love, I’ve got you.” He whispered while his thumbs were drawing circles in her swollen and reddened nipples. “Cum over me, babe.”

He sucked  and licked her again, and again until he felt her hips move convulsively and  her head lolled back, moaning hard. “Bryce, oh my god, yes!” feeling all her body electrified.

Then, she cupped his head with both hands, pulling his hair to rest her forehead against his. Her body warm with pleasure, and dizzy with sensations still coursing through her body.

Without noticing his intentions, she suddenly felt his thumb rubbing her folds and drawing circles over her clit. “Bryce, what the fuck”, she protested husky, her hips bucking as reflex.

He ignored her and kept moving his fingers, and every now and then sinking his fingers between her folds. “Come on, baby, I know you can do this”, he incited.

And she started to moan again, desperately, her legs shaking. And then, her whole body. The desire killing her slowly.

That was a whole new orgasm, different sensations, and he knew. He perfectly knew she could give him another.

She kissed her frantically, moaning hard, her body convulsing over him.

“Yes, baby, give it to me, you’re just as I imagined you.”

He had  two fingers inside her, and his thumb rubbing her clit. His hand all wet with her arousal, just as he wanted.

“You’re insane, you know that?” She said laboriously.

“You like me insane, you love me insane”

“Yes, babe, and please never change.”

Hard kiss again and he brought his two wet fingers to his sensitive spot and drew circles until she came screaming against his mouth “Fuck, fuck, FUCK, BRYCE!” while all her body was shuddering and her tiptoes curved furiously. 

Her words drew the smugest and most satisfactory smile Bryce had felt in a long time.

He only stopped moving his fingers until he obtained the last drop of her orgasm, when she became quiet for a moment and then collapsed to one side of the coach, her breath ragging and his skin damp with lustful sweat.

It took her more than usual to catch her breath.

“Are you okay babe?” He asked after a minute, leaning onto her.

“Yeah, I’m great, more than great, actually.”

“Good enough to give me a third?”

“Fuck, yes”

Bryce stood up and lifted her up in his arms and carried her to the kitchen counter.

“And you’re telling me I am the insane here.”

Eleanor sank a hand under his evidently wet boxers, and stroke his hardened cock.

“What can I say? You inspire me”

She directed her length to her core, and stared at Bryce, waiting for him to do the rest. He complied instantly.

“I’m gonna ask this Nikka kid to invite Keiki more often.”

“Mmm, yes...” She squirmed as Bryce began to thrust her slowly. “Seconded.”

Both kept enjoying the rare solitude until, hours later, both collapsed on the bed, destroyed. And shower sex was still pending for tomorrow.

Eleanor couldn’t walk properly in two days and no one could erase the smug grin over Bryce’s face for the next three days.

_____

Yes that line that Eleanor said, I did copy it from yesterday’s chapter 😂

Thank you for reading!

[brycelahelalover]

The jealous one, part 4

Pairing: Bryce Lahela × f!MC (Tesse Sterling)

Warning: slight angst

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Author's note: so here it is, the forth part. After like, how many months? A lot. So, I'm trying to go back to writing but I'm not really getting any inspiration. It sucks. Now that my Ted talk is over, enjoy<3

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Bryce's point of view

Bryce laid in the dark, wide awake. His right hand supporting Melanie's head. He looked down at her, seeing her sleeping face. A peaceful face of someone who had no care in the world. And as much as he wanted to envy her that calm, he couldn't find it in himself to do that. After all, he was the one who pushed himself in all this turmoil. He was the one who decided that pretending to survive was better than living. Just to save her from everything that being with him meant. And after all of that, he was the one who hurt her the deepest.

He really tried to sleep. But like yesterday and the day before that, he was met with pictures of her, rendering his attempts futile. Pictures of every emotion she displayed towards him since the day he called it quits, or rather, since the day he turned his coward thoughts into actions. Pictures of her face, a face that, unlike Melanie's, looked very troubled every time her eyes met his. Eyes he couldn't help but fall in their depth every time they moved his way. And as much as he tried not to drown in them, he found himself struggling to breath in their presence.

He really was stupid to think that pushing her away would get her out of his thoughts.. that pushing her away would be enough to erase the impact she had on his mind, and worse his heart.

But he was quick to realise, nothing can. Which made him bolt straight in his bed. Acknowledging the sweat escaping his curls and trickling down his back. And then he felt her hand, moving down his arm to clutch his hand.

"Bryce? You okay, baby?" She asked in a sleepy voice.

He turned around, ready to dive into her arms. Just to realise, that sweet voice wasn't hers.

"Baby, what's going on?" Melanie asked, worry lines gathering between her brows.

"Nothing, it's just a nightmare." Bryce answered in a grumpy voice.

A nightmare? Really? He thought to himself. The day Tesse becomes a nightmare is the day he loses his mind.. or maybe he already has.. And rather, the only nightmare he's suffering is what his life has come to.

He turned to his nightstand, trying to find some pills for his throbbing head. He opened one of the drawers only to be flashed with a shine of silver Bryce knows oh too well.

He needs to get out of here.

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

The sun penetrated through the blinds and shone right into Bryce's face, making him hide it in the crock of his hand before turning to face the back of the sofa in an attempt to catch a little more sleep. But in a lack of luck, his alarm decided that was the best time to blast its infamous, obnoxious ring. Bryce groaned, just now registering the hushed voices coming from a few feet away from him.

He turned around to see the TV turned on before noticing his sister perched on one of the loveseats with a raised brow directed at him.

"Well, since you're now awake, I don't have to strain my back trying to catch a word they're saying." Keiki sassed before turning to add the sound on the TV.

"What are you doing awake already?" Bryce asked in a groggy voice.

"I could ask you the same but a slightly different question. What are you doing sleeping on the sofa? Ladybug claiming her bedroom territory?" Keiki countered before sniggering.

"Keiki, ew. But no, I couldn't sleep so I decided to take a walk, when I came back I didn't want to wake Melanie up." Bryce said before getting up.

"Aww, cute." Keiki remarked while rolling her eyes.

"Shut it, troublemaker." Bryce said before ruffling her hair.

"I'm going to wash my face, can you turn the coffee machine on for me?" He asked.

"Of course, your majesty." Keiki snarked.

Bryce pretended to ignore her remark before picking up one of the pillows laying on the floor and throwing it at her.

"Eeeee." Keiki screeched before changing bases to the sofa.

"That's what you get."

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

After completing his morning routine, Bryce went out to the kitchen to find Keiki and Melanie there, with the latter trying to spark a conversation.

"So how school been?" She asked.

"Fine." Keiki answered with a clipped tone.

Melanie's face fell before she cleared her throat. After a few seconds, Keiki noticed her brother standing in the door way.

"I put the coffee machine on for you." She said, her mood clearly different than earlier, before picking her mug and leaving the two to the tension she left behind.

"Good morning." Bryce greeted, going in for a kiss before being stopped by his girlfriend.

"What's her problem with me?" Melanie asked, totally ignoring his greeting.

"Mel, we talked about this already. And like I said before, this is how Keiki is." Bryce answered, slightly exasperated.

"Then how come she's different with your friends, especially Tesse." Melanie countered, her tone turning especially sour with the last word.

"Look, Keiki and Tesse are close. Tesse was there for Keiki when she first came here. I guess they bonded over time." Bryce said, shrugging his shoulders.

"And that's never going to happen with me." Melanie said, hers slumping.

"Mel.."

"No, Bryce. You don't have to try to convince me otherwise. I know I will never be able to replace Tesse." She said before leaving the kitchen.

"Shot.." Bryce cursed.

But the problem was how right she is.

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

A/N: oh my god, it feels so good to finally write this part. About a month ago I tried to start in it, so I wrote the name and my note and that's it. But to see it written is so good, so I hope you enjoy<3

Tagging: @lahamseiroshoe @eleanorbloom @anotherbeingsworld @choicest @princesslahela @vamped99 @lahellacute

[sophxwithers]

@jamespotterthefirst @missmiimiie @camillemontespan @drakewalkerfantasy @perriewinklenerdie @heauxplesslydevoted @starrystarrytrouble @alj4890 @genevievemd @justanotherrookie @terrm9 @gryffindordaughterofathena @lahamseiroshoe @flowerpowell @nikki-2406 @caseyvalentineramsey @brightningstar @takeharryandgo and honestly so many more of you I’ve likely forgotten🤦‍♀️ I love you all so dearly for the hard work you put in writing such incredible stories for bitches like me. I’ll never be able to comprehend such talent but I certainly support it. You’re all the best💖

[crystalwillow]

Fixing A Broken Heart, Part Two

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Casey Valentine (F!MC)

Mentioned: Bryce Lahela, Sienna Trinh

Included: Alan Ramsey, Casey’s mom

Word Count: 7.2K

Disclaimer: This will be the last part of this series. The ending may leave some of you wanting a Part Three, but there is just no way I could physically write one. I will try and give as much closure as possible, but please bear in mind this is the final part. I’ve loved taking this journey with you in going through a small window of teenage Casey and Ethan’s lives.

Sending you much love and many thanks for joining me on this journey 🥰✨

Lahamseiroshoe (Georgia) ❤️✨

--- Ethan & Casey, Current Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (French Region) ---

The first 2 weeks of their backpacking trip around Europe was difficult for them both. Casey had moments where her heartbreak kicked in so bad she didn’t want to move from the hotel room they had booked. And it was difficult for Ethan because he hated seeing her so broken over a guy who couldn’t give two shits about her and was probably with some other bleach blonde tramp who’s sipping a fruity drink because unlike Casey she can’t shoot a whiskey or a combo on the pool table. Today was one of those days, it was currently almost 2 pm and Casey hadn’t moved to go anywhere but the bathroom since she woke up at 7 am.  Ethan was in the kitchen making her a sandwich with a few ingredients they had brought at the market the previous day, and as a treat, he had gone out earlier that day and brought them a cinnamon roll each. Letting out a deep sigh he cut the sandwich and placed everything on a chopping board, using it as a tray, and carried it to the bedroom.

When he entered he saw Casey crying at her phone screen, eyes even redder and puffier than when he had seen her roughly an hour ago. He placed the chopping board on the side and sat in front of her.

“Give me that.” He said in a kind yet demanding tone as he held his hand out for her phone.

Casey shook her head and continued crying. “WHY? Maybe he’d like me if I dye my hair and acted stu-”

“No!” Ethan exclaimed. “You are not dying your hair bleach blonde. And you are not acting like an airhead to get back some douchebag who broke your heart!” he continued with a softness to his voice as he slipped Casey’s phone from her hands, locking it and putting it in his pocket.

Casey looked at him through her tears before breaking down again. Sighing as his face fell, Ethan pulled her into a tight hug and felt his heartbreak even more as she clung to him tighter than she had before. He gave her back gentle rubs and whispered reassurances to her. But what he wanted to do was kiss the tears off of her face and her lips with the loving she deserves. Eventually, her cries subsided, and she pulled away from the hug.

“Sorry.” She sniffed, wiping his shoulder.

“No.”

“What?”

“Don’t you dare apologize for feeling and healthily processing your emotions.”

Casey blinked at him blankly. “You’re such an amazing guy. Why do people hate you?”

Ethan shrugged.

“And why have you chosen to let me in and see this side of you? why the new girl?”

“Wow.” He chuckled. “I don’t know. Probably something to do with the fact you didn’t grow up as a young child with me and don’t know the story of my mother leaving. And the fact you aren’t judgmental of the things I do others perceive as ‘weird’ because it’s not normal.”

“But I do unique things too. It’s what makes me so different and special. Like each batch of toys from a factory that has a unique batch code. But there aren’t batches of humans that do the same weird things. It’s only you. And I-” she rambled but cut herself off before she went too far.

Ethan gave her a kind smile. “I brought us some food through.” He explained, pointing over at it.

“Is that the kitchen chopping board?” Casey chuckled, squinting to get a closer look.

“Yes.”

She threw her head back and laughed loudly, Ethan breaking out in a large smile before laughing along with her. He was glad that had cheered her up a little bit. Together, they sat and ate the lunch that Ethan had prepared for them.

“Oh, when we reach our next place, Sienna needs me to call her,” Casey said as she finished her cinnamon roll, and Ethan nodded.

They spent the rest of the day snuggled on the couch watching movies on the TV until they woke up the next morning to the alarm going off on Ethan’s phone signaling they needed to get up and head to the airport.

“Where are we headed next?” Casey asked with a yawn as she folded the few pieces of clothing still on the bed she was sleeping in and placed them in her suitcase.

“We’re heading into Italy.”

“Our first week and a half long stop!” Casey perked up.

Ethan gave a soft smile and nod.  “Excited?”

“Excited is an understatement.” She smiled, pulling her coat on.

Ethan continued smiling at her as he shrugged on his backpack. “Have you got everything?”

Casey double-checked her belongings and the room before nodding. “Yup.”

“Awesome. Let’s go and check out and get to the airport.”

Casey led the way with a pep in her step and Ethan was happy to see she was in a better frame of mind after some sleep. A taxi ride to the airport and plane journey later, they stepped out of the main doors of the airport in Florence, and Casey took in a deep breath of fresh air with a smile.

“Let’s get to the hotel as quickly as possible!” she enthused as she looked over at Ethan.

Once they were settled in their hotel room, Casey sat on the couch with her notebook, sketching the view she could see from the hotel room. Ethan was in the bedroom looking over their plans whilst they were in Florence and picked something out.

“Casey??” he called out.

“Yeah?” she answered, concentrating on her sketch.

“Do you want to go out for coffee tomorrow?”

“Sure!”

Ethan smiled to himself before replying “Cool!” then going to grab a shower.

Casey had already stated that she would shower before bed as she just wanted to give herself time to fully settle in as this was their first longer stop on their trip. She was finishing up the last of the shading on her sketch when he entered the room about 45 minutes later, rubbing his wet hair with a towel.

“You okay in here?” he asked as he sat down in the chair next to the couch.

“Yep. Just sketching the view.” She explained and turned her notebook to face him.

“Woah!” he gasped. “Could I take a closer look?”

“Of course!” she replied, placing the notebook in his outstretched hand as she stood to stretch. “I’m going to go and look at the room service menu, do you want anything?”

“No, I’m okay thanks.” He smiled, leaning back in the chair taking a closer look at her sketch. The more he looked at it, the more he noticed it was on a page quite far into the book. He knew it was wrong because he didn’t have her permission, but he flicked back a page and was amazed at what he saw. So he kept flicking back. A sketch of each place they had been so far filled the other pages, plus a sketch of her dog. Ethan was mesmerized, the attention to detail was amazing. He closed the book and placed it on the table as he heard Casey reapproach the living area of the room.

“All ordered. I got something for you anyway. You are in no way pulling a “No I’m okay thank but I plan to steal yours” on me Mr. Ramsey.” She chuckled as she reclaimed her seat. Ethan chuckled along with her.

“Have you called Sienna since we got here?” he asked curiously. 

“No. I planned on doing it after I’ve showered and am getting ready for bed.” 

“About that. I’m sorry about the mix-up and the fact we only have one bed.”

“It’s okay. Are you sure you’re okay taking the couch though? Because I’ll happily swap, you’re paying for this place so I feel like you should take the bed.”

“Casey. I would join you if it was a double, but it’s a single. I’ll be fine on the couch. It’s only a few days.”

“Well… if you’re sure.”

Ethan nodded with a kind smile as Casey packed her supplies away then patted the spot next to her.

“Come sit with me. We can watch TV whilst we wait for our food.”

“You just want a cuddle because you miss your plushies at home.”

“So what if I do? Is it such a bad thing you’re the current replacement?”

With a slight chuckle, Ethan took a seat next to Casey and she snuggled into him as he turned the TV on adding subtitles for them to follow along. Shortly after they had just settled properly, room service arrived with their meal, Ethan let them in and they placed the food on the dining table in the room before leaving after Ethan and Casey had both thanked them for bringing the food. Shortly after room service had left, Ethan and Casey sat around the table and were digging into their food, complimenting it by making little moans of satisfaction. 

“Oh my gosh! … THIS, is the best cheesecake I’ve ever had. It might even beat my moms.”

Ethan raised his eyebrows. “It’s that good?”

“Try some.” Casey smiled, holding her fork at him with some cheesecake on it. Ethan leaned forwards and took the bite in his mouth, Casey slowly retracting the fork and watching as Ethan ate and processed the flavors. 

“...wow,” Ethan said after a moment of silence. “That is….” 

“Right?! It’s the perfect creaminess mixed with the perfect amount of tartness from the raspberries. It’s almost like food heaven.”

“Almost, not quite though. If you added a sprig of mint…”

“Oh my…” Casey gasped as she practically drooled, earning a chuckle from Ethan.

Before they knew it, it was time for bed and Casey still felt bad that Ethan was giving up the bed for her and slowly trailed into the living room and plopped herself in the chair. 

“Are you okay?” Ethan muttered from behind his book

“Mhm.” Casey hummed as she wrapped the blanket around her and zoned out. 

Ethan finished the chapter in his book and placed it on the table before looking at Casey who was now falling asleep in the chair. “Hey. Go to bed,” he whispered to her but got no response. “Casey….” he whispered, sitting up to look at her. 

“Shhh,” she said lazily and a ghost of a smile crossed Ethan’s face as he got up to carry her back to bed. As he was pulling the covers over her to make sure she was tucked in properly, Casey opened her eyes and looked at him. “What are you doing?” she groaned sleepily.

“Putting you to bed,” Ethan explained with a quiet softness.

“But it’s not fa-”

“Nope. I won’t hear that. It’s perfectly fine. I’ll be okay.” 

“Promise?”

“I promise. Now, get your sleep.”

“Okay. Goodnight Ethan. I love you.”

Ethan froze for a moment before smiling and pecking her forehead. “I love you too, Casey. Goodnight.” 

Casey closed her eyes with a smile as she fell back into a deep slumber for the night. 

The next morning, Casey was up early and replying to Sienna’s latest message with an apology, explaining that jet lag suddenly caught up with her and she fell asleep out of nowhere when she came online and started typing just as Casey sent her message. After a short while of messaging, it was decided that Casey would take a quick shower and then call Sienna. On the call, Sienna ranted about how she was now officially done with Bryce. He was officially nothing but a dumbass frat fuckboy who didn’t give a shit about anybody’s emotions anymore and had stood her up 5 times in the past week. Casey winced and replied with how she’s sorry he’s now acting like a complete idiot towards her, and how she wished she was in America right now because she would come and visit her for a while. One thing was now clear for sure though, Bryce Lahela was officially a FAH. A fake ass hoe. And Casey and Sienna both agreed they did not need a FAH in their lives. Both knew deep down when everything about Bryce’s new lifestyle crashed and burned in front of his very eyes, he would come crawling back to them groveling about how he was wrong and an idiot. But, Casey knew that by then she would hopefully be well on her way to being over him and she would have Ethan by her side to protect her. He’d promised that he would be, and Ethan Ramsey was not one to break his promises. 

“Oi! Casey.” Ethan called from the bedroom doorway as he held out his hand.

“Yeah?.. Oh!” Casey smiled as she noted his outstretched hand, getting up from the bed and taking it in her own. “When did you wake up?” 

“Whilst you were dissing Lahela on the phone.” 

“You heard all that?”

“Not all of it. Just some. I’m proud of you though.”

“You are?”

“Mhm. You’ve come a long way, in a short amount of time. Most girls, or boys, would still be hung up on him and trying to get him back. But I’ve known you long enough to know that you, Casey Valentine, are not like most girls.” 

Casey smiled at Ethan as they sat down on the couch together and he naturally wrapped his arm around her shoulders, tugging her to his chest gently. They looked out at the view together for a while before Casey sighed deeply.

“What’s up?” Ethan asked, still transfixed on the view. 

“I’m going to the bedroom. I need to journal something real quick. I’ll be back soon.” Casey explained, quickly pressing a soft kiss to his jaw then speed walking to the bedroom and closing the door. 

The kiss pulled Ethan back into the moment and he stared after her as she went to the bedroom, a ghost of a smile gracing his features as he softly strokes the spot she just kissed with his index finger. 

Over the next week and a half they done everything from visit Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, to trying out local coffee shops in the area. After leaving Florence they flew all around Europe before making a decision that with the spare funds they had left over, to take a last minute trip to England and road trip from the south to the north, before catching their flight home. As they sat on the plane for the last two hours of the flight, Casey started to stir from her slumber. Ethan turned his head to make sure she was okay. 

“Hey.” He whispered, kind smile on his features. 

Casey smiled back in greeting and gave him a hug. Which he returned as best he could, given their confined space. A couple hours later as their plane taxied along the runway, Casey looked out of the window with a smile. 

“Happy?” Ethan questioned

“Yeah. It’s going to sound weird…” she trailed off as she turned back to look at him, contemplating her next words, “... but I feel like I’m finally home.” 

She braced herself for impact of him laughing at her, but it never came. Instead he gave an understanding smile and small nod as they were given permission to unbuckle their seatbelts. As they stood at the baggage claim, and old lady turned to them. 

“You two make a beautiful couple.” She smiled

“Oh. No ma’am, we’re not-” Ethan stuttered, trying to correct her as kindly as possible.

“Oh and you’re American. What parts is that accent from? New York?”

Ethan stood there stumped and looking the Casey for help.

She smiled at the lady. “We’re from Boston.” 

“Ahhh New England.” 

Casey nodded, still smiling. “But we aren’t a couple. At least not yet…” she trailed off smiling at the befuddled looking Ethan. 

“Oh! I beg your pardon. I thought you were together.”

“It’s okay.” Casey giggled, “I do want him to be my boyfriend. But he’s my best friend, currently helping me heal my broken heart.” She whispered leaning towards the lady conspiratorially as Ethan grabbed their bags as they came round on the conveyor belt.

The lady gave a her a knowing nod “Well, when you’re ready dear. Make sure he’s made aware, most men these days are oblivious to the most obvious of things.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. Though… I don’t think I’ll need to do much with this one. He already has feelings for me and we’ve been on this kind of weird “date” thing a couple months ago when we graduated.” 

“Oh, what are you doing when you go back to education?”

“Medical studies. We want to become doctors, diagnosticians to be more specific. Ethan will excel faster than me though, he’s more perceptive and observant than I am. I’m good, but… he’s better” Casey smiled up at him, and he smiled back. 

“You ready to go?” He asked.

“Yeah. Just one second,” she nodded, turning back to the lady. “It was lovely talking to you.”

“You too dear. And uh,” she gestured for Casey to come closer, “when you have babies, they’re going to be beautiful.” She whispered and gave a kind smile as Casey stood back to her full height.

“Thank you.” She smiled, then with a wave over her shoulder, followed Ethan out of the airport.

Once they were outside, Ethan gave Casey an inquisitive brow and Casey smiled back. “What?” 

“Nothing. Just… wondering.” 

“About?” 

“Nothing.” 

Casey laughed. “I know you better than that Ethan Ramsey. There’s something on your mind. Spill!” 

Ethan regarded her closely for a moment before finally choosing to speak, “It’s just. When we get home. Would you… Can I…”

Casey waited patiently as he stumbled over his words. 

“I’d really like to take you out. On a proper date. An adult one. With meals. And wine. In a restaurant with dim romantic lighting. Because I really like you. And uh, you look gorgeous in dresses. I mean you’re gorgeous anyway. Smoking hot actually. Ugh no that’s cringe, forget that. You’re like the honey on my toast in the-”

Casey pressed a gentle finger to his mouth with a small giggle. “You’re too cute Ethan. But yes. I’ll let you take me out when we get home.”

“Really?!” He clamped his hands over his mouth as his exclamation drew in some stares, Casey giggled again with a nod.

On the flight over they changed their plans to just stay in London this time round and visit all of the historical sites they could, so they jumped in a cab and headed to the nearest hotel, in hopes they had a spare room for a couple of nights. It took them a couple of tries but eventually, before nightfall, they found a hotel room. It was a double, but it was okay for them. They were friends who could restrain themselves, unlike some people in this situation who would take it and then go at each other like rabbits in heat.

They entered the room and placed their suitcases in the corner of the bedroom, before sitting on the bed. 

“Ethan?”

“Mm?”

“I’m tired and super hungry. Can we grab something quick to eat and then snuggle in this super comfy bed and sleep?” 

“I couldn’t be hearing sweeter words formed into a suggestion right now.”

Casey chuckled.

“What?” Ethan asked, eyebrows raised

“You. You’re so dorky and cute.”

“And you’re not?”

“Oh. We’re playing that game huh?” 

“Yes,” he smirked, “we’re playing that game.”

Casey shook her head lightly with a laugh, preparing her going out bag with her lipgloss, phone, pepper spray and wallet. She swapped her shoes for some comfier walking shoes as Ethan stuffed his wallet in his pocket, phone in the other. Casey stored their keycard safely in her bag and together they headed out into the streets of London to find some food. They don’t know when, but at some point along their route, they’re fingers had lightly intertwined. Ethan walked along watching Casey take in the sights with wonderment. She looked like a kid shaking a snow globe. The tip of her nose was turning red from the evening chill, he could see every exhale she made, and her eyes danced in the reflection of the street lights as light turned slowly to dark and the stars above them became visible. After a while, Casey spired a burger van and tugged Ethan over. 

“Two of your largest burgers please. One with cheese, onions and barbecue sauce, the other with fried onions and ketchup.” She enthused without even turning to ask Ethan what he wanted.

“Would that be everything?” The vendor asked

“Ummm. Could I also get a medium portion of chips please. Salted, no vinegar.”

The vendor smiled as she rang up the total “That would be £11.78 please”

Casey rifled through her wallet and pulled out a £20 note from amongst other notes from other countries she’d kept. Ethan would be protesting right now if he weren’t so amazed by how at home Casey was looking right now. Giving over the right amount and accepting change without hesitation, smiling and being friendly as if she was of British descent, not American. The kindness and happiness that shone from her eyes like the sun blinded him, yet he was transfixed by it. Enamoured almost. Once the food was ready, they took it with thanks and walked until they found a park bench to sit on and enjoy it. The warmth was welcomed in the chilled air that surrounded them. 

“Casey?” Ethan spoke, now half way through his burger.

“Mm?”

“How did you know?”

“Know what?”

“How I like my fries?” 

“You mean chips?” 

Ethan chuckled with a slight shake of his head. “Yes. I mean chips.” 

“Simple. I observe.” She smiled back, popping one in her mouth. 

“What do you want to do tomorrow?” 

“Mmmmm,” Casey hummed as she took another bite of her burger. “I think we should start with the London Eye. Then from there, we can go anywhere that has free entry to the public.” 

“Like a museum maybe?”

“I’d love to visit a museum with you.” 

“Really? It’s not too… old man-ish?”

“Being interested in the history of the world? Heck no. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world today. Well… second most beautiful.”

“What’s the first?”

“Us.”

“Us?”

“Yeah. I couldn’t give myself the title, it felt wrong. Then giving you sole ownership felt biased. So I went with wrongly biased and gave us joint first.” 

Ethan smiled as he swallowed his food and Casey beamed back. “What?”

“That’s so you.”

“So me?! What do you mean??!”

“I mean you’re predictable. Sometimes”

“Uh! A batda- uffn- ppfftt-!” She spluttered as Ethan started to chuckle and then full belly laugh at her. 

“Hmph.” She sulked, eating more of her burger. “Fuck ya snuggles. Im sleeping on the floor.” She pouted as she chewed which only made Ethan laugh harder. 

“You- oh gosh. Hahahaaaaa. Aw you’re too cute Casey Jane.” He said as he calmed down, wiping the tears from his eyes. Yet Casey remained pouting and mad. 

“Predictable. I’ll give you predictable. Asshole.” She muttered to herself. 

Ethan chuckled and they finished their meal in silence before throwing out their rubbish and heading back to the hotel. As they entered the room, Casey was still in a mood at Ethan for say she’s predictable so grumpily, she stomped to the bathroom and turned on the shower, locking the door behind her. Ethan chuckled and shook his head as he shrugged his jacket off and slipped off his shoes, placing them in the corner of the room. About an hour later, Casey suddenly screamed from the bathroom and came out wrapped in a towel, hair dripping a couple of minutes later.

“Casey!” Ethan shouted as he startled awake.

“I’m fine. The water just turned cold.”

“Casey.” He sighed, “I thought you were in danger.” 

“No.” 

“It’s been a while. Can you snap out of your funk now? You know I was teasing you.” 

“Hmph.” 

“Snuggle muffin.” 

“No. You will not- Ethan I’m soaking wet!!” She yelped as he got up and in a couple strides was giving her a hug. 

“I don’t care. You could be molten lava for all I care. I’d still hug you.”

She tried to resist his cuteness and charm but she was putty in his hands. She let herself melt and mold to his body. “But now you’ll need to change your clothes.” She spoke quietly.

“I’d need to have done it when I woke up anyway. So…” 

Casey sighed contently as she wrapped her arms around his torso and squeezed slightly, breathing in his scent. 

“What are we for now?” Ethan asked.

“What do you mean?” 

“Well, we’re obviously friends. But…”

“We flirt?”

“Exactly.”

“Well, we’re exactly that Ethan. Friends who flirt. We have feelings for each other and we know they’re mutual. We respect each other’s boundaries and have the best times together. I have amazing memories with Sienna, but some of my best are with you.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Take this trip for example. Are you telling me you haven’t had fun?” 

“No. Of course I have. I’ve had tons of fun with you. From Spain to Italy and all the way to where we are now. I’ve enjoyed every step. Well… apart from the handful of times we’ve argued.” 

Casey stifled a chuckle, “yeah. They were…. not the best. Though. I still say you looked good in that blue and pink Hawaiian print shirt.” 

“I looked awful.”

“You did not! You looked comfortable and happy and… well…” she trailed off as she got lost in his cerulean blues, gently placing her lips on his as she softly closed her eyes. Ethan was hesitant at first, but the longer Casey kept her lips on his, his hesitation melted away and he kissed back softly, drinking in every ounce of her delicate and loving affection. Noting how she smelt distinctly of delicate roses. When the pulled back, Ethan opened his eyes to be met by Casey’s forest greens looking up at him, the softest of smiles on her face. Neither of them said it, but it was conveyed in the matching gaze they gave each other.

‘I love you so much.’ 

/// Back In Boston /// 

Four days later Casey and Ethan got out of a cab outside Casey’s house. They knew her mom would be at work, so they had planned to settle Casey in and store Ethan’s bags in the guest room as he was staying for a few days until the jet lag had worn off completely. As they took their bags from the trunk of the car, they laughed and joked before thanking the driver and watching him leave. Though neither of them were expecting to run into someone one the doorstep. 

Ethan’s jaw clenched and he moved protectively in front of Casey who was now stricken with a mix of emotion, but the main one was panic. What was he doing here? Why was he here? How did he know when to come? 

Casey could feel the fear starting to rise in her chest and so she reached forward to grab Ethan’s arm but he had already reached backwards for her hand with his. She quickly grabbed it as she swallowed harshly. 

“Ethan..” she trembled.

“Shhhh. It’s okay petal. I won’t let him near you” he whispered over his shoulder. Casey gave a small nod, drawing herself closer to him. 

Ethan kept his gaze on Bryce who was walking closer towards them. “Casey.” Bryce started but was immediately cut off by Ethan.

“Why are you here?” 

“Who are you?”

“I think you know who I am.”

The two men stared each other down. Ethan squeezing Casey’s hand in reassurance as her trembling increased. 

“Ethan.” Bryce spat. 

“Got it in one. I should give you an award. Your could add it to your cabinet.” 

“What?” 

“You heard me. Fuckboy.” Ethan started to snarl.

“E.” Casey spoke in a small voice. 

“Shh. It’s okay. I’m not gonna do anything rash.” Ethan reassured. 

“No E. I… I feel sick.” 

At those words his attention snapped from Bryce and he turned to her aid. “What is it? Jet lag? Hunger? Period related? Food poisoning?” 

“I-It’s him. I. The memories. The pain. The.. the…” she stuttered, breaking down and shuddering violently.

Ethan nodded understandingly and took her into his firm embrace. “You need to leave. Now.” He hissed over his shoulder at Bryce.

“No way! I came to talk to Ca-”

“LEAVE. NOW!” Ethan boomed with authority in his voice as he held Casey close, covering her ears to lessen the volume of his voice. 

“Fine. I don’t know why I’d wanna try and fix things with such a fragile bitch anyway.” Bryce spat.

Ethan’s muscles and jaw tensed as Bryce spat out his words and it took everything in him not to follow and punch him square in the nose as he deserved. But the shaking body in his arms was his anchor in that moment. Casey needed him more than Bryce needed a good face rearrangement. Soon Ethan had calmed Casey down enough to get her inside. They left their bags by the door and made their way up to her room. It was exactly how she left it, with the edition of some fresh flowers and small tupperware on her desk with a note. But for now she wanted to ignore it, Ethan dumped his bag, shoes and jacket in a heap on the floor, Casey halfheartedly doing the same as Ethan pulled the covers back. 

“Come on. Let’s get some rest. We’ll read the note later.” He said softly.

Casey slid underneath the covers and snuggled into his arms. She sniffled as she settled down feeling safe in his arms. Slowly her nauseous feeling started to settle as she focused in on his breathing and the gentle rising and falling of his chest, which lulled her into a peaceful sleep. Later when they awoke it was the middle of the night. 

“Wow. Jet leg must have hit.” Casey croaked, snuggling back into Ethan’s arms.

“Must have. But look. Food.” 

Casey’s head popped up in a fashion similar to that of a meerkat making Ethan chuckle quietly as he pointed to a tray by the door. The room dimly lit by Casey bedside lamp. 

“Mom’s homemade curry!” She gasped and jumped out of bed with a stumble.

“Careful.” Ethan warned.

“Sorry. I’m hungry.”

“Well I think both myself and your mom would prefer it if you stayed just hungry. Not hungry with a broken leg or arm.”

Casey giggled as she retrieved the tray and brought it back to her bed. 

“Are you not going to reheat it?”

“And wake mom with the microwave. You know I can’t do that.”

“Then I’ll do it for you.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I know. But I want to.” 

Casey sighed with feigned annoyance at how insistent he was being, then waited as he took the tray to reheat their food. He returned 10 minutes later, the plates on the tray piping hot and glasses of water added to the tray. Casey’s eyes almost popped out of her head as she smelt the food. 

“Gimme gimme gimme.” She enthused and Ethan laughed quietly.

“You that hungry?”

“Yes.”

“Well then I guess I should eat both of these.” 

“Wait. What?!” 

“I’m kidding. Let’s get comfy on the floor.”

“What’s wrong with my desk?”

Ethan looked at it and then back at Casey with a smile. “Right.” 

“Midnight brain.” 

“Huh?” 

“You weren’t thinking properly. I call it midnight brain.” 

“You might wanna um… think about changing that.”

“What? Wh- Oh Ethan!”

“What!?”

“Get your mind out of the gutter you dirty bastard!” Casey exclaimed, boshing him over the head with a cushion. Ethan laughed as he defended himself with his hand trying to grab the cushion from her as he balanced the tray on his forearm, but she tossed it back beside her and rose to her feet, making space at her desk for the tray. 

They sat together and watched a movie on Casey’s computer in a comfortable silence, lowly muttering at each other occasionally. After the movie, Casey took the glasses and plates down to the kitchen on the tray whilst Ethan used the bathroom. They stayed up to let their food settle watching medical and true crime documentaries until the sun started to rise, peeking through Casey’s curtains. As he turned to look out of the window, Ethan let out a deep yawn and stretched his hands over his head. 

“You can go back to bed if you want.” Casey smiled.

“Only if you join me.” 

“Why’s that?”

“Because.”

“That’s not a valid enough reason.”

“Of course it is. Women use it all the time.” 

Casey laughed. “You cease to amaze me Ethan Ramsey.”

“Why’s that?”

She could see what he was doing and gave him a smirk. “You’re always full of it. That’s why. And don’t think you can ever outsmart me but flipping the question back onto me again.”

“Why’s that?” He smirked, trying his luck a second time.

“Because you will never outsmart me. I know you too well for you to do so. I also know the reason you’ll only go back to bed if I agree to join you.”

“Oh?”

“You hate sleeping alone. You’ve slept beside me for so long, and you like me so much that you’re currently in the honeymoon phase of crushing. You don’t like spending a single waking moment away from me if you can help it.”

Ethan stared at her stunned. How could she tell this? Was he really being so obvious? He quickly regained his composure and cleared his throat, shooting Casey a smile.

“And what if you’re wrong?”

“Then I’m wrong. But we both know I just hit the nail on the head there. Don’t we?” she smirked.

Ethan sighed deeply, admitting defeat this time with a chuckle as he blushed red. A shy smile lighting up his features. With a shrug he tilted his head towards Casey’s bed, and after a brief smile, they clambered back into bed, snuggling together and fell back into their slumber. 

As the days and weeks passed and eventually turned into months, Casey and Ethan were closer than ever. Bryce hung around Boston for a while longer, refusing to leave until he had spoken to Casey, but… Casey didn’t want to talk so until she was, she decided to file a restraining order against him so she could heal safely and not worry about having him turn up on her doorstep again. After he left, Casey got a job at the local ice-cream parlor, whilst Ethan got a job as a cleaner at the mall. Working around their work schedules they arranged their first proper date. 

One evening after she finished work, Casey arrived home to find Ethan and his dad chilling in the living room with her mom. 

“Oh! Hey. If I’d have known we had guests I would have tried to get home sooner.” She smiled apologetically.

“It’s okay, sweetie. You’re home now.” Her mom smiled back. 

“Yeah. Uh. I’m gonna go and grab a shower quickly. Um..” she smiled, awkwardly backing out of the room.

“Okay. Come and join us once you’re ready.” 

“I will, mom.” 

Casey backed out of the room and then turned sharply on her heel, making her way upstairs. 

“I’m gonna refill my water.” Ethan excused as he left the room too, following Casey. 

“Babe?” 

“Ah!” Casey screamed, covering her chest with her towel. 

“Oh! Gosh! Sorry!” Ethan stammered, closing his eyes and Casey took the moment to tie her robe around her securely.

“What did you want?” 

“To see if you’re okay. You were acting strange.”

“I’m tired. It’s been a long day.” 

“Is that all it is?”

“Yes.” 

“I don’t believe that somehow.” 

“Well that’s your decision.”

“I guess so. Can I… open my eyes now?”

“Also your decision.”

Cautiously, Ethan opened his eyes and looked at Casey. His heart immediately ached at the tiredness on her face. “Why don’t we have a chill night tonight? Maybe hang with our parents and finally share our pictures we took in Europe.”

“Uh yeah. Yeah, that would be… nice.” she smiled, “I just need to uh… shower first.”

“Of course!” Ethan exclaimed, “I’ll be downstairs waiting for you.” 

“Okay.”

Ethan turned and started walking out of her room when she called out to him,

“Ethan, wait!”

“Yes?” He asked, turning back around to face her. 

“Could.. could I get a hug? Please?” She blushed 

“Of course you can! You don’t have to ask for those, you can steal them. I’ve told you.” 

Casey walked forward and stepping into his outstretched arms, the warmth and comfiness of his chest a welcome reprieve from the chaos happening in her mind. She inhaled deeply, breathing in his scent. “I missed you today.” She whispered into his shirt. 

“I missed you too, pumpkin.” He said, kissing her temple gently. 

After her shower, Casey collected the photos from their trip and headed downstairs now more relaxed.

“Hey.” She said, entering the room and taking the empty seat next to Ethan. 

“Hey sweetie, feel better?” 

“Yeah.”

“Hello, Casey.” Alan smiled

“Hi, Alan.” She smiled back, “Um… me and Ethan wanted to share our pictures with you. If that’s okay.” She hesitated 

“Oh honey of course!” Her mom exclaimed, shutting off the television and they gathered around the dinner table. 

“Okay. So as you know, our first stop was Spain.” Casey started. “And this,” she placed a photo down. “Is the first picture we took after we arrived.

Ethan chuckled, “you look so grumpy.” 

“Well, you woke me up!”

“I couldn’t just leave you in the plane!”

Alan and Casey’s mom chuckled at their little debate. 

“Anyway…” Casey continued, “this.” She laughed, “Is Ethan in an outfit I brought him and made him wear to the beach” 

Alan gawffed picking up the picture. “That’s a nice colour on you son. Pink and blue is definitely your scene.” 

“Ugghhhh daaaaddd.” Ethan groaned, covering his face

Casey laughed and they continued sharing pictures. They were having a fun time explaining their travels when Casey froze as something fell out from between the photos. 

“Oh!” She exclaimed, scrambling to collect it but Ethan beat her to it.

“Casey…” he gasped, staring down at the piece of paper in awe, “this is…. it’s… me.” 

Casey was blushing a deep shade of crimson, eyes fixed on the table in front of her as she nodded shyly. 

“It’s-”

“Awful.” She said, cutting him off and snatching it from him. 

“I-”

“Excuse me.” 

Casey abruptly left the dining room and ran up the stairs.

“I should-”

“No, son. Give her a minute.” Alan said with a sad smile, gently grabbing Ethan’s wrist to stop him. 

“But she-”

“Needs reassurance and calming down. I know. But I think this would be best done by her mother first. Don’t you?” 

Ethan’s gaze flicked from his father to Casey’s mom before he sat back down and gave a nod. “Of course. I um- excuse my forwardness. I didn’t mean anything by it. I just… I care about her. Deeply.” 

“I know you do dear,” Casey’s mom smiled, “I’m thankful that you do. I’ll just go up and speak with her, then hopefully she’ll see you.” 

Ethan nodded and waited with his father in the dining room. The minutes ticked by in an agonising wait as Ethan continuously paced back and forth. 

“Son, come and sit down. The time won’t pass any faster with you pacing than in would if you sat still.” 

“I can’t dad. I’m.. she’s everything to me. Even though it’s just embarrassment, it’s still a big thing. Right?”

“Of course it is. The sketch was beautiful, we saw it but. She definitely wanted to keep it to herself. At least for now.”

Ethan nodded in enthused agreement. “And how do I ease her mind about me seeing it. I mean, yourself and her mom seeing it is one thing. But myself?” 

“Be gentle. Don’t bring it up unless she does. Or gives you an opening to do so.” 

“Is that all? Just… be as nice as I already am to her?” 

“Even more so. Just, like I said. Be gentle.”

Casey’s mom re-entered the room as Alan finished speaking and gave them a somber smile, “She… said you can see her. If you want. But I must warn you, she’s still a little mortified.” 

“Of course. Understandably so. But thank you.”

Ethan smiled gratefully at Casey’s mom before heading upstairs and knocking on Casey’s door. 

“It’s open.”

Gently pushing it open, Ethan ventured inside carefully and found Casey on her window seat looking out over Boston. 

“Pretty beautiful out there, huh?” He said barely above a whisper coming to a stop in front of her and pointing to the empty spot beside her.

She nodded. “Go ahead.” 

He sat down and took her hand in his, tracing slow circles on her soft skin. “Are you okay?” 

She turned to look at him, his bright blue orbs slightly dulled and filled with worry. Shrugging, Casey looked away. She felt a brief guilt in not being able to calm his worry. Ethan gently pulled her into his chest with a sigh. “You’re mom said you felt a little mortified.” He mentioned quietly, his voice vibrating gently through his chest, soothing Casey. He felt her relax slightly in his arms. 

“Case?” 

She relaxed some more. 

“Do you want me to just talk?” He chuckled and Casey nodded. 

“Can I talk about your picture?” 

There was a pause, Ethan convinced he’d gone too far.

“I guess… yeah.” Casey muttered, fiddling with his shirt 

“Well,” he breathed out, “first off, it’s gorgeous. You’re so talented.” 

She smiled shyly into his chest, “thanks..”

“I only got a glimpse but your attention to detail looked amazing. Have you ever thought about applying for art school instead of medical?”

Casey shook her head. “Art’s my hobby. I want to keep it that way.” 

Ethan nodded. “I see. That’s fair.” 

Casey sat up and looked at him. 

“What?” He smiled, curiosity in his eyes

“You’re not gonna make fun of me?”

“Honey, why would I do that?”

“Because everyone at school did.” 

“You and I, both those idiots at school, were just that. Idiots. They like to tear the ‘weaker’ kids down. Make them ‘understand their place’ in the world. Society. But I’m not them Cass. You aren’t them. We. Aren’t them. We’ve had each other’s back since day one pretty much. Plus, I love you Casey. Anything time I ‘made fun’ of you, would be done in a loving way. Not to be mean.” 

Casey looked into his eyes, a gentle smile breaking out on her face. 

“What?” Ethan quizzed.

“Nothing, it's just… I love you too Ethan.”

He smiled back and they shared a soft kiss before resting their forehead together and giggling quietly between themselves. On the other side of the door Alan and Casey’s mom gave each other a knowing look and nod before they retreated back downstairs quietly. 

There was still a way to go with trust, but she knew one thing in particular deep down, and Ethan felt it too. 

He had fixed her broken heart. 

[kinda-iconic]

Shuffle Tag

Thank you for the tag, @queerchoicesblog! I hope that you are well ♥️ I’m writing it here so that the original post doesn’t get too long.

Rules: We’re snooping your playlist. Put your entire music library on shuffle and list the first ten songs; choose people to tag.

My top ten shuffled songs are as follows...

1) Chiquitita by ABBA

2) Only You by Yazoo

3) Love Really Hurts Without You by Billy Ocean

4) Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations

5) Perfect by Ed Sheeran

6) Flashdance by Irene Cara

7) Fix You by Coldplay

8) Hall of Fame by The Script ft Will.i.am

9) This is the Life by Amy Macdonald

10) Leave a Light On by Tom Walker

Tagging: @bloodboundismylife @nitakali @shelley-parah @choicesfannatalie @princess-geek @otherworldlypresents @adrianadmirer @evexofxtime @lahamseiroshoe and whoever wants to take part

[brycelahelalover]

Braids

Pairing: Bryce × f!MC (Tesse Sterling)

Author's note: hiii! I just had this silly idea that I wanted to write. Hope you enjoy ♡♡♡

Keiki leaned back against Tesse's pregnant bully, making herself comfortable while trying not to cruch the women behind her. Meanwhile Tesse took another section of hair and put it in the middle, giving her sister in law one of the many hairstyles her mother used to do on her hair when she was a kid. They did this nearly everyday, Keiki watching her favorite show while Tesse did whatever she wanted on her hair. Today, Tesse settled on doing a fishtail braid. The hairstyle looking very beautiful and elegant on Keiki's silky hair, interwoven to show off Tesse's skills.

"Is it too tight?" Asked Tesse suddenly.

"Nah, it's perfect." Said Keiki before going back to watching her show.

"When is my turn?" Asked Bryce all of a sudden, breaking the comfortable silence that fell between the two while poking his head out of the kitchen door with a spoon in his mouth.

"Your turn on what?" Asked Keiki while arching her brow at her brother.

"My turn on having my hair braided." Said Bryce matter of factly.

"Bryce, your hair is too short." Said Tesse before chuckling to which Bryce furrowed his brows.

"Yeah, but it's long enough to be braided." Responded Bryce with a pout painting his lips.

"Oh, Brycey. You're just jealous that Tesse is giving me her attention, you golden retriever." Said Keiki while wiggling her eyebrows at him.

"Oh, please. Me? Jealous of you? You do realise she's my wife, right?" Asked Bryce while giving his sister a fake stinky glare.

"Yeah, but that doesn't change the fact that she's braiding my hair, not yours." Replied Keiki while sending a big smirk her brother's way.

"Will you two ever stop bickering?" Interfered Tesse with a fond smile on her face, used to the siblings small fights over every tiny thing.

"Fine." They both said at once while sending challenging gazes at each other.

"So, Tesse, will you do my hair too?" Asked Bryce after a few beats, turning back to look at his wife.

"Oh, fi.."

"By the way, Bryce, did you know that your baby gives the best massages? Those kicks are really digging into my back.. oh, he didn't give you those? It's probably because he likes me better." Said Keiki before Tesse could finish her sentence, adding in the last part after seeing Bryce's confused stare.

"Come here you little.." Said Bryce before lounging at his sister, causing Keiki to break free of Tesse's hold with her hair half braided, chasing her around the house playfully.

"Keiki, be careful. That braid looks too beautiful to be ruined." Shouted Tesse after the teenager to which she was meet by a loud fit of shrieking.

Tesse shook her head fondly at two of her favorite people while cradling her bully, feeling a soft kick answer her caresses.

"I can't wait for you to come so we can balance the amount of childishness in this house."

The end

A/N: I hope you enjoyed it. I know it wasn't much but I like the idea. Btw, I wrote it on my Tumblr on Google so I can add the "read more" option but after completing it, it didn't want to get posted. So I thought I would take off the "read more" to see if it would post and ended up with 3/4 of my work erased :,(

Tagging: @lahamseiroshoe @eleanorbloom @choicest @kiteplayschoices @anotherbeingsworld

[crystalwillow]

Forevermore

Pairing: Adrian Raines x Amy Brooks (MC)

Word Count: 2.3K

Summary: Adrian has been doing a lot of think about making things permanent between Amy and himself. Ever since they met, it’s like almost as if she’s become his life force and reason for living. He loves her too much to let her go, the thought terrifies him. So, he makes a proposition. But will she take it? (At the point this is written, Amy is still human.)

Tags: @kinda-iconic @adrianadmirer @sophxwithers @deansmyapplepie @rysandraines

==========================

It’s been 5 years now since Amy Brooks started working for Adrian Raines as his PA, and honestly? She’s loved every second. From the thrill of constantly being on the run from the danger his world brings for a whole year, to their last minute rendezvous moments on the rooftop of Raines Corp. she’s enjoyed every second. She wouldn’t change it for the world, and nor would he. Which is exactly what’s lead them to where they’re situated currently. In his bed, tangled in bedsheets as the cool spring breeze blows over them through opened air vents with the sun peeking just below the horizon, signaling that a new day would be beginning for them soon. As she turned to face Adrian, she found his beautiful greyish-blue eyes shining back at her as he smiled softly.

“Hey.” he whispers as he brings his hand to rest on her hip, their lower limbs tangled.

“Hey.” she whispers back, matching his smile.

The pair stayed like this for a while as Amy snuggled to Adrian’s chest, basking in his warmth and the smell of his cologne, it felt like home and it made her happy.

“We should get up soon.” he murmurs, breaking the silence between them as he traces patterns on her bare back.

“Mmm, do we have to?” she groans into his chest. “Can we not just stay here?”

Adrian gives a soft chuckle and presses a chaste kiss to her forehead. “As much as I’d also love for that to be an option, I do have meetings to attend.”

Amy shuffles so that she’s perched on her elbows, looking up at him wearing her best pout. “Please, Adrian. I don’t wanna move.”

“I know. I don’t either, this right here is perfect. But… Unfortunately, these meetings are important and cannot be missed.” he explains, shooting her a sad smile. “I’ll make it up to you later, I promise.”

She considers him for a moment before giving him a skeptical look “...and how would you do that?”    

“I’d give you all your favourite foods and watch whatever you want to watch on the television with you, the moment we get back.”

“Hmmmm.” Amy ponders, giving it some thought. “Okay,” she nods. “You have yourself a deal. Mr Raines.”

“A pleasure doing business with you, Miss Brooks.”

They shake hands before bursting out into a fit of giggles, Adrian pulling himself into a sitting position on the edge of the bed. “I’m going to shower now. Are you joining me today?”

“Mhm. Just call me once the water’s ready.”

“Alright.” he smiles, leaning back and sharing a brief kiss before reluctantly pulling away and slumping somewhat tiredly to the bathroom.

As she waits in bed, Amy decides to raid his kitchen for ingredients to make pancakes after they get out of the shower. Finding everything she needs, she groups it together on the kitchen countertop and makes her way back to the bedroom, climbing back into bed. It’s only a couple of minutes later Adrian is calling out that the waters read and he’s now getting in the shower.

“Coming!” Amy replies with a smile, clambering out of the sheets and entering the bathroom.

About an hour later the pair emerge from the bathroom, wrapped in towels and around each other.

“Are you okay?” Amy asks Adrian as he kisses behind her earlobe delicately.

“Mmhm.” he hums happily in response.

“You’re being more clingy than usual. Are you sure everything’s alright?”

“Everything’s fine. Why wouldn’t it be?” he asks in return.

“No reason,” Amy shrugs. “I’m just not used to you being extra clingy when we aren’t in the face of danger.”

“Still?” he teases, “It’s been 4 years, my love.”

Amy gives a chuckle. “Doesn’t mean I’m used to it.”

They spend a few more moments cuddling as Amy moves and sets out their clothes, then reluctantly, Adrian peels himself away from her long enough the pair can get dressed and have breakfast.

On their way into Raines Corp, they walk hand-in-hand sharing a comfortable silence, save for the moment Amy inquires as to why an owl is Adrian’s favourite animal.

“Because they’re like me! Soft and adorable to anyone. Scary and demonic to anyone who pisses me off.” he explained to which Amy laughed and gave a good natured eye roll before they let go of each other's hands, entering the building.

“What’s on the agenda for today?” Adrian asks as they step into his private elevator and get whisked up to their floor. When they emerge, they’re all serious business. A random passerby wouldn’t even guess they’ve been dating seriously for 4 years.

“...and then to round off the day, you have a meeting with The Council about the strange goings on in Japan.” Amy finishes as they stop at her desk.

m

“Thank you, Miss Brooks.” Adrian nods with a grateful smile.

“No problem. I’m literally just doing what I’m paid to do.” she salutes. “Speaking of which. I should get you your coffee. We would want deals falling through because you’re being a grouch now, would we?”

Adrian shakes his head bemusedly as he lets out a chuckle. “What would I do without you?” he asks, checking their surroundings before leaning down to press a quick kiss to her lips.

“Mr Raines!” she exclaims, “I don’t think it’s workplace policy to be randomly kissing your employees.”

“Mmm? I don’t kiss them all. Just one.” he grins, then heads into his office and with a final wave, closes the door behind him.

Their work day seems to drag on forever with them only having enough time to say a quick hello between Adrian moving between  his office and different conference rooms around he building. It always baffled her as to why he didn’t just use the one adjoined to his office all the time when it was nights they were working. After completing all her work 3 hours early, she entered Adrian’s office, taking his pens from the pot and stacking them with careful precision. Once she’d used all of those she rummaged through his drawers until she found a box full.

“AH HA!” she exclaimed to herself as she settled back in his plush office chair, concentrating to see how tall she could make her tower.

An hour and a half later, Amy was placing the final pen at the top of her tower when a voice sounded from the doorway.

“Ahem, Miss Brooks.” Adrian announces with a bemused smirk on his face.

“AH! FU-” she exclaims knocking all her hard work to the ground. “Adriaaaannn.” she whines, stomping her foot on his desk. “You ruined the towerrr.”

“Can I help you down?” he asks, stopping in front of his desk and extending a hand.

After a few silent moments of consideration, Amy grumpily placed her hand in his and he helped her down. “Why are you in my office, when you have work to do?” he asks, getting to work on picking up the pens from the floor.

“I’ve finished my work.” she pouts nervously.

“Already?” He asks with surprise.

Amy nods as he looks over at her. “I… I can sh-show you. If you do-don’t b-belive me.” she stutters.

“No. I believe you. You’re one of my most trustworthy employees.”

“I- I am?”

“Yep. Now, if you wouldn’t mind…” he says with a raised brow, pointing to all of the pens on the floor.

“Oh! Right.” she smiles, getting down on the floor, picking them up with him.

Later that day as the sun started to rise they re-entered their apartment, Adrian pulling Amy into a hug almost immediately after shrugging his jacket and shirt off, placing his shoes in the shoe rack on the wall by the door.

“Mmmm, so warm.” he hums appreciatively, “I’ve missed this.”

“Missed what?” Amy asks, feigning misunderstanding.

“Your body against mine. Our hugs. They’re the best hugs.”

“Really?”

“Mmmhmm.”

Amy spins to face him, wrapping her arms around him as she melts into his chest, she lets out a content sigh. “You’re right. They’re pretty awesome.”

“I’m always right. Well… Mostly.” Adrian says

The pair share a chuckle before Adrian gives Amy’s butt a soft tap as he yawns into her shoulder. “I think we should get some sleep.”

“Physically tired huh, Mr Raines?” Amy quips in question.

“I am, Miss Brooks. So do an old man a favour and come to bed.”

“What if I don’t want you to go to bed yet?”

Amy lets out a surprised yelp as Adrian picks her up and puts her over his shoulder, carrying her to their bedroom. Once inside, he kicks the door shut and sets her on the floor. Before she knows it, Amy is in her comfiest pyjamas and watches Adrian change into a pair of lounge pants. Once both of them are ready for bed, they climb in under the covers.

“This is so unlike you.” Amy comments quietly

“What is?” Adrian asks with a slight frown

“Getting into bed without having a shower.”

“Yeah, well… I’m too tired to stand any longer and I’m low on energy.”

He turns on his side facing Amy, she turns her back to him and shuffles back into his embrace.

“Mmmm, cosy.” Amy smiles.

“I should hope so.” Adrian chuckles in response, “Goodnight, my love.”

“Goodnight.”

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

As the next few days passed, Adrian seemed the busiest he had been for a while. He was barely in his office and he was constantly clocking out to go to meetings outside of work. For a while Amy started to think that maybe he was cheating but she quashed that thought, Adrian loved her and had been loyal to her for 4 years, he wouldn’t start cheating now if it’s something he wanted to do. No, there had to be another explanation.

One night as Amy lounged at home waiting for Adrian to get back from work, her phone screen lit up on the bale in front of her. When she saw who it was, her heart dropped.

“Adrian? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. I just… could you come back to the office please? I need your help with something. It’s really baffling me.”

“Oh! Of course. Just give me a few minutes to freshen up and I’ll be there within the hour.”

“Great. Thank you, Amy.”

“No problem. I am your PA after all.”

No more than 58 minutes later Amy is knocking frantically on the door of Adrian’s office.

“It’s open!” his voice calls out.

When she steps inside her mouth drops open. “W-what’s this?” she stutters, looking around at the office lit by candle light and the table set for 2 with steaming hot plates of food.

“Please, take a seat.” Adrian says, pulling out her chair.

Hesitantly, Amy walks over and takes her seat and looks at the table as Adrian tucks her in. After joining her in the opposite seat, chuckling at her expression. “You seem surprised.”

“I- I am. When did you…” she trails off looking around in awe.

“Have time to do all this?”

Amy nods.

“After work hours of course.”

“So that’s why you were so desperate for me to go home?”

“...yes. It- It was.”

Amy smiles but it falters when she sees how nervous Adrian is. “Is something the matter?”

“Hm? … No. Well, yes. Maybe. I don’t know.” he shrugs.

“There’s a reason for this dinner isn’t there? Beyond just wanting to be the amazing boyfriend you are.”

Adrian shoots her a nervous yet grateful smile. “There is. I um… have been doing a lot of thinking lately.”

“You’re always thinking.” Amy chuckles quietly, trying to lighten the mood.

“No, about us.”

“Oh. Is… Is everything okay? Have I done something to upset you?”

“No! No, it's nothing like that,” Adrian reassures “I’ve been thinking about our lives and how if you stay human our time together is heading towards an inevitable end.

“Adrian I- wait… if I stay human?”

“The reason behind this dinner. I’ve spoken to your parents and they’re okay with it now. But whether I do this.” he takes a nervous inhale, taking her hand in his over the table, speaking his next words shakily. “Amy… with your permission, I would like to turn you. So we can be together forever.”

Amy sits in shocked silence for a long while as tears of mixed emotions well up in her eyes. “You.. you want to.. Turn me? Into… a- a vampire?”

Adrian nods, his own eyes now as teary as hers.

“Adrian I…” she hesitates. “Adrian… you know that I love you. And that I would do pretty much anything and everything to see you happy. But this… this is a big ask. A bigger decision to make. I can’t just say yes or no at the drop of a hat.”

“And I understand that.” he nods insistently. “I do. And I'm willing to wait for an answer. As long as you need to think it over and decide, I’ll wait. It’s not going to change how I feel about you.”

“Do you mean that though. I’ve heard similar things before, but it did change how those people felt about me.”

“I’m not those people, I’m me and I love you. Whether you’re human or vampire or… or a fish! I’ll always love you as you are. Because to me, you’re perfect and that’s all that matters.”

A silence fills the air as Amy looks at their hands as silent tears stream down their cheeks. Each for a different reason.

Eventually, Amy gives Adrian’s hand a reassuring squeeze, mustering up the bravest smile she can manage. “I… I’ll think about it. I promise.” she nods, voice quiet and higher pitched from the tears.

“Thank you,” Adrian sighs with a soft smile, shoulders sagging in relief. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

“Hey. I love you. And I admire you for asking. It’s a big ask.”

Adrian nods in agreement, the silence hanging between them for a moment longer.

“Let’s finish dinner, shall we?” Adrian asks, wiping the leftover tears from his face, handing Amy some tissues to do the same.

“Yeah.. I am.. Actually hungry.”

The pair chuckle and clink their wine glasses, settling into less serious and more comfortable conversation, Adrian smiling at his love fondly. No matter what her answer turns out to be, he knows he will love her deeply.

Forevermore.

[crystalwillow]

Exiled Problems - Chapter Seven

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Casey Valentine (F!MC)

Features: Bryce Lahela

Word Count: 1.2K

Warning: This AU features themes of; Angst, Swearing, Alcohol Use, Violence, NSFW Material (Mature Themes, 18+)

Taglist: @sophxwithers @otakudreamer @an-jell-o @curiousconch @mm2305

===========================

Before they knew it, Casey and Bryce's wedding was just 2 weeks away and she was busy preparing for another event to celebrate their engagement one final time. As she placed her powder brush back on the desk she looked at Ethan's contact for the billionth time since she left his apartment and tears welled in her eyes. She knew that she shouldn't but her fingers flew over the keyboard typing out a message. 

Once she typed it, she locked her phone and shoved it in her top drawer ignoring it as her heart raced. She wasn’t expecting an answer and nor did she get one; but just the possibility that she may see him tonight set her soul ablaze as she finished getting ready and sat practising her smile in the mirror.

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

All too soon Casey was in the grand hall of Bryce’s estate pacing nervously in the corner as she waited for him to arrive. She watched the minutes tick by on her phone, dread flooding her veins more intensely the closer 7pm drew.

6:47pm.

6:48pm.

6:49pm.

Where was he? Of course he had a habit of being late or cutting it close, but this was too close. Even for him. Finally the main door of the hall were opened and Bryce was still nowhere to be seen. Casey looked at the time. 7:00pm. She’d have to start this thing alone and cover for the man who everyone thought of as her fiance.

She stood to greet some guests as they entered, giving bryce the excuse of fussing over his hair and waiting on his suit to come back from the dry cleaners because of an incident with ketchup and wine at lunch. Luckily, the guests seemed to buy it and the event got underway. Casey made the rounds as the hostess saying hello and making polite small talk, when about an hour in she spotted him there in the corner. She honestly thought that he wouldn’t come. That maybe he’d stay at work and bury himself in it the way she had been to deal with the pain and maybe for a moment, even if it was brief, forget about her… forget about them and be happy. 

Subconsciously her legs carried her over to where he stood, stopping mere inches from him. 

“Ethan…” she sighed with a shaky smile.

“Casey.” he responded as he downed his scotch.

“I… didn’t think you’d-”

“There you are babe!”

Bryce exclaimed as he approaches her, lipstick smudged on his lip and his suit slightly disheveled. Casey’s stomach turned as he placed an arm around her waist. 

“Ramsey.” Bryce nods.

Ethan grunts in response watching Casey closely out the corner of his eye.

“I um. Need to use the bathroom, you should make the rounds and say hello.” Casey nods before making a brief exit. 

Bryce shrugs and leaves to greet some guests and Ethan slips out of the hall in search of Casey. He searches everywhere he can think she would be in a place so large before he makes his way outside. Once he steps outside it isn’t long before he hears some familiar sobs coming from the shadows. He follows them carefully, his heart breaking when he sees the redness in Casey’s eyes. 

“Casey…”

“You need to leave.” she says as she wipes her tears away

“What? But you invited me here… I.. I don’t under-” 

“You’re drunk. I invited you because I wanted to see you again. But you’re drunk, Ethan. You reek of scotch. How the hell have you been doing your job?!”

“I… I haven’t been showing up…”

“What? Are you kidding me?!”

“Well, what was I supposed to do, Casey?! Huh! Why don’t you tell me that one.”

“You were supposed to go to work, act as normal as possible as you processed your pain and over time get over me.”

“Get over you? Have you gone insane?”

“No. I’ve gone numb. Which is why if you know what’s good for you. For both of us, you’ll leave, you’ll put down the drink, sober up, go back to work, forget I ever existed, and get over me.”

“There is no getting over you Casey! I can;’t get over you. No matter how much I try, I will never ever get over you.” 

At the sound of his raised tone Casey flinches and turns away hugging herself. Just then Bryce joins them.

“I think you need to step away from the lady and leave as she’s requested.”

“Oh, shut up you dickhead.” Ethan spits over his shoulder. “You were late to your own engagement even because you were with someone else!”

Behind them gasps sound and flashes illuminate the night sky as paparazzi snap pictures and record sound bites of the conversation. 

“I don’t know what you-”

“Save it, Bryce. All 3 of us here know that you and I aren’t actually engaged. And even if we were, I saw the lipstick stain on your mouth and the way your suit was messed up. So you would have just cheated on me for the 87th time since our engagement news.”

“Come on now my sweetheart. Don’t-”

“Don’t what? Bryce. Don’t let you know how I really feel. Don’t let you know that I hate your guts and have despised every single time you’ve had to touch me or hold my hand. Don’t give those who are taking pictures a recording this permission to publish a story on how much of a fuckboy you are and ruin both of our families by calling this engagement off?! Because I am done with being someone else's contract. Or… or someone else’s assignment.  I am a human with feelings and was ripped from the start of a relationship with a man I love for the sake of keeping our images and the images of our families pretty! Well I am done!” Casey yells as tears stream down her cheeks and she twists the ring off her finger, throwing it at Bryce with a frustrated sob before running back inside.

The two men scowl at one another before Bryce heads back inside, Ethan leaving just as Casey requested. 

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

The next morning Casey rushed to the bank and withdrew all of her money before her parents can catch wind of the drama from the night before and places a deposit on an apartment in New York that afternoon. She doesn’t care that there are losses because she can easily buy new outfits and furniture. 

About a month passes as Casey settles into her new apartment and new life in New York. She quit the family business two days after moving and is now estranged from both of her parents.

3 weeks passed before she received a phone call from Ethan and they spoke at length and are still in contact. Ethan is supposed to fly to her in a month so they can go on their first official date in a while. Casey is still hurt from the rough time she went through and her parents actions play on her mind constantly and she will always love them. But this is what’s best for everyone.

Since moving Casey has started her own dance and self defense classes which are in high command as Christmas season approaches. She hasn’t had any contact with Bryce since that night she called off the fake engagement, and she is honestly relieved about that. 

They may not have gone through with the engagement and Bryce may be getting hell from his family but she’s just happy that for her, he is now only one of many exiled problems. 

[crystalwillow]

Im starting to schedule chapters, so if you want to be in the taglist for Exiled Problems reblog this or comment an emoji of some sort so I can type it out and add it to every chapter 💛🤍

Thank you! 💖

[crystalwillow]

I come to you talented folks, kindly asking a favour.

As you may know by now, April 1st, marks the release date of my Open Heart AU titled Exiled Problems. As the date draws closer, more and more things are coming together for this AU, I may only be on Chapter Two of the writing process, but I’m feeling inspired and ideas are just flowing from my fingertips.

I come to you guys asking nicely if someone would be willing to make me a banner that will help me with promoting this AU further. Below is the summary of Exiled Problems, if you so wish to read it and/or take part in sending me banners.

You can send them in to me via DM’s until Sunday March 21st 2021. I enjoy seeing what you all come up with.

BUT WAIT! If you’re reading this and thinking there will only be one that will “win” overall, there won’t be! I need one for promotion (that will also be added to my masterlist), and there is 16 chapters of the AU overall and I would live banners to add to those as well.

AU Summary - Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Exile featuring Bon Iver from her 8th studio album folklore, and Champagne Problems from the sister album (9th studio album) evermore, Exiled Problems is an Open Heart AU that tells the love story of Ethan Ramsey, Boston’s most famous diagnostician and Casey Valentine. Meeting as Casey a patient he thinks nothing of his innocent crush until she invites him on a date when he contacts her under the pretence to check up with how she’s doing. Casey, stuck in a loveless engagement, has one chance to break free at the event of the century, will she be able to do it or will they forever live with Exiled Problems?

Chapter 1 - The first date between Ethan & Casey. They go to a quaint diner that isn’t heavily populated, and have the best time away from the pressures of their jobs.

Chapter 2 - Casey & Bryce are on a press run throughout Boston. Everyone’s talking about the engagement & Ethan can’t take it anymore. Sometimes supply closets are your only friend.

Chapter 3 onwards? I invite you to use your imagination and the warning for the AU on my Choices Masterlist (link in bio), to create whatever you can invision. Bar fights, sabotage, even planned escapes for secret meeting in parking lots.

Show me what you’ve got, I’m excited to see it all and support fellow talent within the Choices fandom here on Tumblr ❤️✨

[crystalwillow]

Adding another series to my masterlist tonight. It's going up within the next 10 minutes. So keep an eye out for it! I have no idea how many parts it will have, it depends on how it preforms but it's coming!! 💋💌

[ntoraplayschoices]

Thank you so much for the tag @tyrils-star! 😁💕

Nickname:Thea/Dora/Theodore 😂

Gender:I'm a miss,she/her please! :)

Star sign:I'm a Taurus ♉

Height: 5'2 or 5'3 I think I'm kind of like. 160 cm or something? I'm short jdjdnd but it's nice ☺️ ejdnnd

Time:18:24

Birthday:May 5th!

Favourite bands:I really like kpop so the groups I really like are bts,blackpink,got7,twice and there are some more too jdjdj but from western bands I like imagine dragons and little mix,I think those are the groups I listen to more.

Favourite solo artist/s: Sunmi,IU,Billie Eilish,Ed sheeran and Arianna Grande are really cool 👌

Song stuck in my head:There's not one at the moment dhdhdb

Last movie:Star wars: The force awakens

Last show:Wanda Vision,please watch it in obsessed

When did you create this blog:Around Easter of 2017 I think? I still remember the first thing I posted and it was an Easter candle from a store sheheh to be fair it was pretty though

What do you post about:Mostly choices,sometimes kpop and other things that interest me and I think should be seen by other people!

Last thing I googled:Hotmail. Yes I know,very exciting

Do you get asks:No,not really :/I do sometimes though and thank you for sending them,they make me really happy😁Whoever wants to ask anything always can by the way!

Why I chose my URL:Because I wanted something creative,I'm not really the best with titles or things like that (that's why it's Aerin part x and not a title dhdhd not my strongest point 😬 but as long as the text is good it's fine I think 😂) and that's how it was created! It's pretty simple and shows that I play choices so yeah. Now that I think of it it's not that creative but. It's cool I like it 😂

Following:1.519. Yes I spend a lot of time online but they're all awesome people😳

Followers:189 amazing people!

Dream trip: I'd love to travel to many places and many continents,so it's not really specific djdjdj I'd love to explore my own country better too,I think it's a shame not to!

Average hours of sleep:With online school it's approximately 6-7 some times less or sometimes more,but in weekends I go wild and sleep for like 10 or something

Lucky number:2,5 and 7 I think these are good numbers

Instruments:the piano!

What am I wearing:a different set of pajamas 😌 the pants have like hearts and the shirt stars,even though they're not from the same set they look good together

Dream job:I'm not sure what I really want to be honest,something related with the arts like acting or writing,or maybe something related to history like a tour guide? I was thinking of becoming a prosecutor too,but I don't think I'm that interested in it anymore.

Last book I read:It was a book called "The treasure of Vagia" and the last online book was "The seven wonders"

Favourite food:I'm a sucker for spaghetti 🍝

Nationality:Greek 🇬🇷

Favourite song:There are many but one that made me cry a lot was epiphany!

Top three fictional universes:

1.Bolas cause its awesome

2.Marvel

3.Maybe endless summer?I'm not sure 🤔

Tagging:@blossomgirlsstuff @bloodboundhoe @lahamseiroshoe @twinkleallnight and literally anyone who feels like doing this!

Have a good day/night everyone! 😁

rules: answer 30 questions and tag 20 blogs you are contractually obligated to know better

Tagged by : @wayhavensmasonsbitch (thank you so much for the tag! I love these! 🥺)

Tags : @theo-oface @bobbymckenzie @bluelimelight98 @blightarts @lolimugly @julia-highstorms @tyrils-star @pilitella @reconsidering-my-life-choices @brightningstar @voseho @raleighcarrera @ethansdique @night-triumphantt @lilyoffandoms @einfachtati and anyone who wants to do it! (Y’all better answer these I tagged you because I like you all and I want to get to know you better 😠🔪❤️)

Name/nickname: Lou / Loujy / Loujayn

Gender: I am .. lady

Star sign: my sun is Gemini, moon is Taurus and rising is Leo heh

Height: 5’9

Time: it’s almost 1 am rn

Birthday: June 9th

Favorite bands: all time low and panic at the disco .. I carry those with me from my emo tween years and I really like cigarettes after sex too

Favorite solo artists: Lana Del reeeyyy ❤️ and sometimes Halsey I guess? And Andy black

Song stuck in my head: ballad of the basilisk 😫

Last movie: antebellum a tiny bit disappointing actually

Last show: killing eve

When did you create this blog: like a very long time ago I carried through whatever fandoms I was in, I watched from the shadows and rebloged everything I found funny for my 4 followers 😂 but I only actually started using it last year

What do I post: mostly art, random posts and headcanons sometimes? I’d like to be one of those people who does chapter commentary and stuff but I don’t think I’m funny enough heh

Last thing I googled: anemia

Do I get asks: I do sometimes yes and I love them so much it makes me so happy when I get asks 🥺👉🏻👈🏻

Why I chose my url: because .. my last one sucked, I’m not creative enough but most importantly.. I am simp ❤️

Following: 511

Followers: 607 (thank you so much guys! 🥺)

Average hours of sleep: literally cannot function on less than 12 hours but still always wake up tired no matter what

Lucky number: not sure I have one but 9 is cool?

Instruments: self taught at piano very basic stuff I can also play welcome to the black parade

What am I wearing: my comfy pjs

Dream job: a dentist it’s been my dream ever since I was a child

Dream trip: probably London or somewhere tropical

Last book I read: 13 minute murder

Favorite food: there’s too much to choose frooommmm but I really really like pasta

Nationality: Egyptian ✌🏻

Favorite song: I don’t know I have too many lol if I had to choose tho it would be John Wayne by cigarettes after sex

Top three fictional universes: THE BLADES UNIVERSE DUH, the Harry Potter universe definitely and .. I don’t know that’s it I guess

[crystalwillow]

Exiled Problems – Part Six

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Casey Valentine (F!MC)

Features: Bryce Lahela

Word Count: 1.9K

Warning: This AU features themes of; Angst, Swearing, Alcohol Use, Violence, NSFW Material (Mature Themes, 18+)

Taglist: @sophxwithers @otakudreamer @an-jell-o @curiousconch @mm2305

=================================

The weeks turned into months and before they knew it Ethan and Casey were taking lunchtimes to the park, sitting in the coolness of shade in the warm summer heat. Casey had taken to ordering lunch to Ethan’s apartment or making them a small picnic. Ethan would then pick her up from outside his apartment block and they’d drive to the nearest park and take a stroll around the duck pond or small nature trail before heading back to Ethan’s car and getting back to their respective jobs. The past few months hadn’t been easy on Casey’s family or Bryce and his family if she were to be honest with herself. Tabloid headline after tabloid headline was speculating about what ‘trouble could be in paradise’ for the couple that seemed to be so happily engaged mere months ago.

Truth is, they weren’t engaged; not really. Casey hadn’t said one word to Bryce that didn’t consist of “fuck.”, “dickhead.”, “off”, or a phrase that was similar to that of “If I wanted to catch an STI I’d come home.”

She despised him more than she did her parents. They could have picked from any eligible bachelor for her to fake a marriage to, but they had to pick him. The most insufferable and intolerable man on planet Earth.

Today however, Casey had brought the picnic to Ethan’s office as the rain poured down outside, ping ponging off the Boston streets that are quieter than normal as people stay in work or at home, diving into the nearest store for shelter; or making their way into coffee shops using their jackets as a temporary umbrella from the natural shower that threatens to soak through their clothes.

As she knocked on his office door, Casey shivered a little from the cold and the rain that dampened her clothes as she forgot her umbrella and had to run from the taxi into the hospital. After a few moments the door opened, Ethan’s greet smile falling into a look of concern as he saw Casey shiver.

“You’re soaked.” he exclaims

“Yeah, that… tends to happen when one forgets their umbrella.” she giggles nervously.

He shakes his head with a bemused smile and steps aside, opening the door wider and inviting her in, closing it again swiftly behind her.

“I’ve borrowed a round table from the cafeteria.” he states, motioning to the table that’s a new addition in the corner of his room. Casey looks over at it and smiles. “Your desk would have been fine, you know that right?”

“I do.” he nods, “but as it goes, I wanted this to be somewhat of a romantic lunch. My desk is where I work. I’d rather keep the two things separate.”

“You say that as if you we’re making me lose my mind on there mere months ago, not giving a damn who heard us.” Casey laughs as she sets up the food.

“Yes. Well… I-” he stammers as his face starts reddening slowly.

“Oh my God! You still think about it don’t you?” Casey teases with a sly grin.

“No,” Ethan protests; “I do not!”

“Ahhh the man protesteths too much.”

“Protesteths?”

“It’s part of MY language so keep any criticisms to yourself please.”

Ethan holds his hands up in surrender as he crosses the room and takes his seat next to Casey. As they settled they gave each other smiles before falling into easy conversation that flowed naturally for the next hour as they made their way through the picnic. As they finished Ethan let out a yawn.

“Tired?” Casey asks

“Just a bit. Thank God that I only have 4 hours left today.” he sighs.

Casey gave him a kind smile. “I thought I’d order pizza and dough balls for dinner tonight. I was going to do it so it arrived shortly before you were due back but I can wait and let you have a nap first if you like.”

“That’s… awfully thoughtful of you.”

“Well, our secret date did overrun and ended up in your bedroom last night.” she chuckles.

He responds with a chuckle of his own, leaning over to press a kiss to her cheek. She smiled at the gesture, turning her head and captured his lips with her own as she gently pulled him back in by his tie.

“Oh!” he gasps with surprise before responding to the kiss with a deepened passion of his own, the pair reluctantly pulling apart when a knock sounds at the door.

“One moment please.” Ethan calls out then turns back to Casey. “We’ll have to go on another date soon.”

“You plan another stealth outing?” Casey grins imitating a move like one of Charlie’s Angels.

“You’re insufferable.” Ethan laughs looking bemused.

“Yet you still choose to date me in secret.”

“I like you. Why would I?” he asks. “And considering you accept all the invitations and seem to enjoy my company, I guess you like me too.”

Casey smiles up at him with a warm softness and gives him a nod but one thing nagged at the back of her mind.

No you idiot, I love you; but I’m hiding from a fake engagement so we can’t publicly be together the way I want us to be.

Another knock sounds and they jump springing apart from their hug they had naturally fallen into. Ethan cleared his throat as Casey started to pack the tupperware away in the bag she was carrying with her.

“Come in.” He called out.

The door opened and a nurse walked in, placing papers on his desk. “These are the test results for Ms Schneider you ordered Dr Ramsey.” he smiles

“Thank you, Samuel.” Ethan nodded, pulling his eyeglasses from his jacket pocket, and placing them on before picking up the paper and looking at them closely.

“I’ll… see you at home.” Casey spoke up as she reached the door the nurse had just left.

“Hrm?” Ethan hummed looking up, gasping slightly as Casey smiles back at him. “Oh! Yes. I’ll see you at home. Enjoy the rest of your day.” he smiled politely.

Casey nodded and left with a wave over her shoulder, gently closing the door behind her. As she waited at the elevators, a doctor stopped beside her. She gave a polite tilt of her head and a smile, the doctor respectfully returning the gesture. A few seconds later he speaks up.

“Are you Casey Valentine?” he asks.

“Uh… yes.” she answers a bit confused.

“Dr Naveen Banerji.” he smiles back kindly extending a hand, Casey shaking it just as the elevator arrives and they step inside.

“Where is it you’re heading Miss Valentine?”

“Uh. ground floor. Thank you.”

Naveen stood watching as the door closed before he asked his question. “What do you think of Ethan?”

“I’m sorry?” she asks, a little stumped at his boldness.

“Sorry let me give you some back story. Dr Ramsey was my intern when he started here. We’re close and he’s somewhat like a son to me, He’s told me about you.”

“Oh.” Casey responds in surprise. “Good things I hope.”

“He’s told me about your secret dates, explained the tabloid headings I’ve seen.” Naveen sighs as they step out of the elevator. “It seems you lead quite the troubled life Miss Valentine.”

“Please, call me Casey.” she smiles politely.

“Only if you call me Naveen.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal.” Casey chuckles as they shake hands. “But yes,” she continues with a sigh. “Things are quite complicated and troubled at the moment.”

Naveen smiles sympathetically. “You’ll make it work. I’ve caught you two looking at each other sometimes. You can't fake a bond like the one you two have. You’ll break free of the farce and get your happily ever after. I can feel it.” he nods.

“Really?” Casey ponders and Naveen nods in response as he pulls a card from his pocket. “If you need anything, call me. It’s the number that goes directly to my office. My lunch hour is 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.”

Casey nods as she accepts the card, Naveen holding her elbow and patting it softly with a look of approval in his eyes.

“I best get back to work, Casey. It was lovely meeting you.”

“You too, Naveen.”

The two part ways with a wave and smile before Casey heads to the exit, sliding the card into her back pocket. As she passed the water feature, she looked up to Ethan’s office to see him looking out pensively at the life that was bustling below now that the rain had died off. She waved up to him with a smile and after a moment he noticed her and waved back with a small smile.

As Casey walked around the corner and out of view from Edenbrook an uneasy feeling settled in her stomach and she felt like she should head back into the hospital, but she knew she had work to get back to so she pushed on. That proved to be a mistake when suddenly her world went black as arms restricted her and something covered her head.

“AH!” she screamed, trying to kick out and get her attackers off of her.

“Hold her tighter!” one angry voice shouted.

“I’m trying!” another shouted back.

“Get. Off of me!” Casey yelled as she managed to stomp on one of their feet with her wedged heel, hearing a crunch and yelp of pain. The grip around her arms left as they fell to the ground giving her the freedom to blindly escape her other attacker.

Just as she had been taught, she got them into a position where she had the power before she locked him in a chokehold until they fell to the ground.

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

As Ethan was preparing to leave work his office phone rang.

“Hello, Dr Ramsey at Edenbrook hospital speaking. How may I help you?” he said professionally, only to have his professionalism drop when he was informed it was the police calling. “Okay.. Right… I see… Yes. Mhmm. … Well, thank you for letting me know, officer. Of course. Thank you again. Bye now.” Ethan smiled until he placed the phone back on the receiver with a troubled and deep sigh.

When he returned home, he heard sobs coming from the bedroom he was allowing Casey to stay in. His heart was already aching, and the sounds made it worse. He approached the door and raised his hand to knock but stopped himself. He should just let her go, is what he thought to himself. Turning away and heading to his own room, listening; and waiting to hear the front door to his apartment open and close again. Once he did, he made his way to the kitchen, where he found a pizza box with a note on it.

“Ethan.

I’m sorry to leave you like this. I have to abide by my parents' rule for the safety of both of us. These past few months with you have been amazing. The most free and happy I’ve felt since I was young. Please know that I still love you, and it’s you my heart is with. I will return to you once it’s safe to do so, but for now. This has to be goodbye.

All my love,

Casey xx

P.S: Tell Naveen I said hello when you next see him? I met him today, he seems to think of you as his son. It was nice to meet a parent. Oh and enjoy the pizza, I put a little bit of myself into it. You’ll see. Sleep well tonight, know I’m with you.”

A tear slipped down Ethan’s cheek as he looked up from the note and opened the box, a breathy chuckle escaping his lips.

“Oh, Casey.” he sighed shakily with a bittersweet smile upon seeing the chili on the pizza.

That night both went to bed yet had trouble sleeping, their performances at work suffered over the next few weeks as summer turned to fall and Casey's wedding to Bryce crept towards them quicker that either would have liked it to.

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