#oh tobias carrick

[alj4890]

Complicated

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

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

Masterlist

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

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

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

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

But Chris...

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

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

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

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

Her movements froze when she heard someone clear their throat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"How was your first day?" She asked.

He snorted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tobias chuckled while following her.

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

"It might." He conceded.

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

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

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

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

Chris paused for a half of a second.

"Okay."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Haven, outdoor seating...

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

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

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

"Reluctance?" Chris offered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"True." Tobias fell silent once more.

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

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

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

"Do you trust me?" He blurted out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What?" His eyes widened.

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

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

She smiled softly at him.

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

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

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

"Both?" He prodded.

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

He grinned, totally unrepentant, and nodded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"But what?"

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

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

He merely grinned while reaching for his wallet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Her eyes widened.

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

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

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

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

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

[jerzwriter]

I know reviews have always been mixed on this outfit, but I always loved it. I also found it very unlikely that any intern would have this hanging in their locker on day one, but I digress. 😂

Way back in time, when we still had a fandom, someone had asked me if I would write a series where Tobias was actually in Ethan’s role at Edenbrook and how things would have gone differently.

I don’t have the bandwidth, nor do I think there would be much enthusiasm for that, right now. However, on this play through all I could think to myself is, what would Tobias have done if he saw her walk in wearing this. And now, I have decided that as I’m doing this through if there are any particular scenes where I would like to see what the differences are, I will write them. This one has to be written. Lol. @alj4890 I beg you, OK maybe challenge you, no, beg you, to do the same. Lol.

[peonierose]

Round Robin: Chapter 5 - Don’t call me Angel

Book: OH & TRR crossover

Characters mentioned: Luna Auclair (F!OC - OH), Bryce Lahela (M!MC - OH), Tobias Carrick (M!MC - OH, Maxwell Beaumont (M!MC - TRR) and Bertrand Beaumont (M!MC - TRR)

Words in total: 3,373k

A/N: Masterlist for Round Robin @choicesprompts I’m participating for Round Robin for the 1st time and I really hope I could do the characters justice 🥰

Side note: Thank you so much for helping me with this story and helping me get inspired @aallotarenunelma & @annieruok94 🩷🩷🩷🩷

A few weeks ago…

Luna

The phone rang somewhere in the house while I was in the middle of an art project.

A few seconds later I heard footsteps and when I turned around I saw Bryce appear in the doorway, handing me my phone.

”Who is it?“ I asked and turned to my canvas again.

”No idea some fancy talking guy said he wanted to talk to you.“

”Is he sure he got the right person?“ ”Beats me.“

I furrowed my brow and pushed my dark blonde hair out of my face and accidentally got some teal paint in my hair. Good thing it’ll wash out.

”Hello?“ I wiped my paint covered fingers on a cloth I kept handy when I painted.

”Am I speaking to Ms. Luna Auclair?“ A deep voice with a slight accent can be heard from the other end.

”Yes. And who is this?“ I put the phone on speaker and got up slowly as I took my brushes to the sink to wash them.

”My name is Bertrand Beaumont from House Beaumont in Cordonia. I’m sure you’ve heard of me.“

”Hmm. Sorry doesn’t ring a bell.“ I say not able to resist teasing him. Bryce snickered next to me.

”You’re so mean.“ He mouthed, and I kissed his stubbled cheek, making him smile.

I turned back to the conversation, putting Bertrand out of his misery. Poor guy must’ve thought the worst of me.

”I’m just kidding Mr. Beaumont I know who you are. So what can I do for you?“ I turned off the faucet and put my paint brushes upside down so they could dry.

”I could use your help.“ He sounded hesitant, which made me instantly curious.

”Help with what?“

”We have our PR firm that we founded, and we’re trying to give some people a better public image.“ I took my phone into my hand.

”What does that have to do with me? I’m not a PR person. I have a bachelor's degree in fine arts, and I’m currently teaching art at the University of Hawaii.“

I took a look at my half-finished painting sitting on the easel, and decided to let the painting dry for now. I’ll keep working on it later.

When I closed the door Bryce and I walked towards the backyard, where we sat down in our beach chairs, while Bertrand’s voice kept coming out of the speaker.

”I’m very well aware. But I know you’re someone who’s skilled as an artist. And I know you think outside the box, and that’s exactly what we need.“

”I will need more information than that if you want my help.“ I could hear some commotion before another voice replaced Bertrand's.

”Luna right? Hi I’m Maxwell, Bertrand’s brother. Look, my brother's social skills suck sometimes. I have the cliff notes version if you want it?“

”Um…sure fire away.“

”Alright. A few weeks ago there was a bit of an…let’s call it an incident. Tobias Carrick was caught making out with the daughter of one of the hospital directors of Mass Kenmore. Someone apparently posted it online. Of course, it’s gone viral. The damage is done and he could get fired. Because apparently it’s unethical.“

”Poor Tobias. He’s a good friend of me and my fiancé Bryce so he has our sympathies especially since this a massive violation of their privacy to put the video online. I’m really sorry he’s going through that.“

I looked at Bryce who was as surprised as me to hear about this.

”Both Bertrand and I feel terrible, because Tobias seems like such a great guy and then for someone to swoop in and destroy his image like that. This is actually where you come into play. Let’s just say we’ve tried other people to fix his image, but it didn’t work.“

”Like I told your brother, I’m not a PR person. I have zero experience.“

”That’s not what we’re looking for. I’m talking about your other accolades. You’re not only one of the youngest people to finish your bachelor degree, but one where all your professors had only glowing compliments for you. You also published your own book, called Kala Kala - Overcoming anxiety with the help of art. Very nice read. I loved it, it’s also super colorful by the way. Not only do you teach art at the senior center, you’re an active member at arts on the fence, a non-profit organization in Honolulu, Hawaii. You love malasdas and are allergic to ginger. Should I continue? I’ve got more.“

”I…no…that’s fine. But how did you find out that much about me? Not everything is available online.“ I was wondering how the hell they got my phone number, and all the things in my bio Maxwell just mentioned. Why would they even be interested in seeking out my help?

”Let’s say a mutual, redhead found out about it. She bought some of your art, and she said you could be a good fit. I think the phrase »ovaries of steel« was mentioned.“

I gasped in awe.

”You don’t mean Olivia Nevrakis do you? Because then I’m so in. I’d love to meet her. And of course help out in any way I can.“

I heard a whoop and a sigh.

”Is that a yes?“ Maxwell asked unsure.

”Hold on a sec.“ I muted the conversation.

”What do you think B?“ I asked Bryce and I could see his beautiful face, that I could sketch every single day and not get tired of looking at.

”I mean I’m sorry Tobias is going through this. He’s our friend, but are you sure you’re up for it?“ His brown eyes were filled with worry as he gently caressed my stomach.

”I’ll be fine. Women have gotten pregnant before and have worked until they’ve given birth.“ I said with more conviction than I felt right now.

”I know you’re trying to be strong but okay. If you’re really sure, then I’m okay with it, but the smallest hitch, and we’re going back home. And don’t think of going alone. I don’t care who they are. You’re my fiancé and the mother of my kids. So they better believe I’ll be going with you.“

”I love your protective mode.“

”Out of all the things I’ve said, that’s what you focused on?“

I grinned and then I unmuted the conversation.

”Maxwell? I’m in.“

”Thanks Luna. I promise you won’t regret it.“

”I better don’t. Otherwise, you’ll hear me yell at you.“

Maxwell chuckled.

”You got it. There’ll be a private jet to pick you up. I’ll send you the arrival date. Can’t wait to meet you. From the pictures I’ve seen, you're really beautiful.“

”Careful there Casanova.“ Bryce chimed in, and I grinned as I pushed my hand through his soft brown hair, making him relax.

”No worries, I know she’s taken. We’ll see you soon in Cordonia, bye.“

Before I could say anything else the phone call ended. Bryce and I just stared at the phone and then laughed at how surreal the situation was.

Who would’ve thought I’d meet members of House Beaumont?

Though it looked as if a new adventure was coming our way.

5 days later

So here I was on day five not making any kind of improvement whatsoever.

I’ve tried talking to Tobias, but nothing worked to get through to him.

He acted as if nothing was wrong and there’s no part where he could lose his job. He’s been painted as the bad guy but doesn’t seem to care.

I got up this morning, let Bryce sleep in a little, as I went down to the pool to figure out a new strategy for how to fix this mess.

That’s when I saw Tobias flirting with a woman by the pool.

You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m trying to repair his image, and he’s out here flirting? Oh, hell no!

”Having fun?“ I asked when I stood next to him. Tobias turned his light green eyes to me, focusing on me rather than the woman he was just talking to a minute ago.

As if he wasn’t already good-looking enough, the smile he threw my way made his face even more beautiful.

”Good morning to you too, gorgeous.“

”Sorry buddy but that charm is wasted on me. I’m engaged and I’m expecting.“

”Does that mean I can’t flirt with you?“ Tobias smirked.

”You can. But it won’t have any effect.“ I said and took a towel from the rack and threw it at him.

”Get dressed.“ I said, and he took the towel, but didn't move. He threw an apologetic smile at the woman who was sitting next to him. She slipped him a small piece of paper and left. He watched her walk away and nodded his head in appreciation.

I cleared my throat, and he turned his gaze on me.

”Let me guess you have another glorious idea how to restore my image?“

”You can call it that. You have 10 minutes to get dressed and be back.“

”Let’s make it 15 alright?“ Tobias laughed.

”Now it’s 10 minutes.“

”Does that tone ever work on Bryce?“

”I’m not going to repeat myself.“

”Now you sound like a school teacher.“ He replied but got up. That’s progress I guess.

”Look, I was assigned to give you some sort of glowing makeover for your reputation. If you don’t want it? Fine. I have better things to do.“

Tobias stared back at me, his charm gone.

”Like what? Be all sunshiny? No offense, but don’t you ever have a bad day or get angry? In all the time you’ve been here you’re always smiling and never losing your cool. You’re more like a robot.“

His comment hit me more than I thought it would, so I got up in his face. Which is hard since he’s taller than me, but I made it work.

”Don’t mistake my bubbly personality for being just that. There’s a lot more to my character and my personality than being happy and positive. You don’t know me that well if your words are any indication.“

His eyes widened for a fraction.

”My bad.“

”And that was lesson number 12.“

Tobias rolled his eyes.

”What I don’t get is why they even assigned you to me? We’re polar opposites.“

”You know what’s interesting? In our whole convos, you’ve avoided talking about this whole incident that led up to this moment right now. You keep acting as if you don’t care, and it’s no concern of yours. But you avoid talking about the core problem.“

Tobias crossed his arm.

”Please enlighten me.“

”You’re not a bad guy. But you’d rather have people believe you’re a dick then let them think you have a heart. That’s interesting.“

”Are you done psychoanalyzing me?“ His voice sounded more and more irritated.

”If you think that we’re done? Then you don’t know me at all. We’re just getting started. Get dressed. And don’t be late. If you’re not down in 5 minutes I’m leaving. So dealers choice.“

”Fine, I'll go get dressed. Doesn’t mean this conversation is over.“

”Now it’s 9 minutes.“ I said and watched him quicken his steps while I sat down and enjoyed the nice view of the ocean.

10 minutes later…

”What is this place?“ He asked without really seeming to pay attention.

”It’s called a room. With walls and windows. And sometimes there’s even a door.“

He snickered.

”I know what a room is. I meant what are we doing in this room?“ He looked at all the cans of paint I had people assemble for this exercise.

”That’s the fun part. Team building exercise. It’s also pregnancy safe, which is a plus.“ I grinned, but he just looked at me and didn't reply.

”The point of this exercise is to let go of past hurts. Look at it this way, you can just let all your anger out. I like to call it angry painting.“

I take a can of paint, open it and see the color coral crush. I took it and threw some at the wall.

Tobias regarded me and I handed him another can, he took but stared at it as if it’s been touched by Medusa herself.

”Do you even know how to get angry?“ He looked at me skeptically as he kept holding the pint can in his hands.

”Excuse me?“

He opened the can of paint and a soft canary yellow joined the coral crush tone on the wall.

”Look, all you’ve said is how I have a heart and I don’t let others see it. But you don’t even know me. How do you expect me to trust you?“

”Is this finally the heart-to-heart you’re giving me? One that the others failed to get?“

”Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to partner up.“ He set the can down and was about to walk away.

”Giving up so soon? That’s a shame.“

”What?“ He stopped and slowly turned my way.

”I know you’re the type of guy who likes to do things rather than sit around and talk.“

”You’ve been paying attention? I’m shocked. Everybody knows I’m competitive, that's not a secret.“

”Of course I’ve been paying attention. You know I have bad days and angry moments too. I’m not just some blonde bimbo, who can’t count to three. I notice a lot more than people think.“

”Such as?“ He raised his eyebrows daringly as he leaned against the door frame.

”When you get nervous you bite your lip and clench your left fist. Which would lead me to believe you are left-handed.“

I kept going.

”Whenever I ask you a personal question or try to tackle the issue, you laugh it off, meaning you’re not ready to talk to me or improve your image. You think it’s fine and it doesn't need any polishing. If people don’t like you or think you’re a dick that’s on them.“

Tobias doesn’t say anything.

”I’d wager you’re someone who likes to do things his way or the highway. You don’t play well with others because you like to be in control. It’s hard for you to give anyone even an ounce of your trust because you believe trust is earned. You said it yourself I don’t know much about you, so why should you trust me? So did I get any of that right?“

Tobias didn’t say anything. He didn’t even move a muscle.

”Your silence indicates I got something right.“

”Even if you did get it right, it doesn’t mean I need your help.“

”So what you’d let your image get destroyed and let others decide on the narrative rather than trying to fix it? That doesn’t sound like the Tobias I got to know.“

”I can’t control what people think.“

”Maybe not. But you can let them see that there’s more to you. Do you know what I see right now?“

”What?“

”Someone who’s been hurt in the past, and now you’re hurt again. But you’re trying so hard to bury those feelings that you’re drowning in them.“

”Sounds like a therapy session.“ He mumbled.

”Art is therapy. Did you know I basically got bullied out of the art gallery I worked at in Boston?“

He shook his head. By the look in his eyes I could tell I got his attention.

”I had no idea, but I’m sorry to hear that. Why did you get fired?“

”I quit. I’ve been struggling with anxiety for years. And they’ve seen me as someone they can demean and push around. My voice was snuffed out. I’ve always seen art as freedom, choosing to make art work for you. Art has helped me find an outlet, find my voice. Let me be creative and put paint on a canvas when I can’t name my own feelings.“

He rubbed his neck as if uncomfortable by my word vomit.

”I had no idea. And I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be a dick. I just…“

”You needed to vent so you let it out on me. I get it. We all lash out when we’re angry. Usually at the people we’re close to.“

”But you seem so calm and composed. You and Bryce never even fight. You’re so perfect.“

I threw my head back and let out a laugh. Making it echo from the walls.

I turned back to Tobias who was looking at me as if I grew another head.

”Do you really believe that? Of course Bryce and I fight. We have disagreements all the time. But we’ve learned how to handle them. Even if we don’t speak to each other for days, it doesn't mean we hate each other. But it means hey I need space I’ll talk when I’ve cooled off. We found our rhythm. We love and understand each other.“

He sighed and sat down, leaning on the wall that was just covered with paint, he winced when he realized it, but he didn’t sit down somewhere else.

”What a mess I’ve created, but maybe you’re right.“

”I must have a fever, or did you just say I’m right?“ I grinned and he smiled back.

”No you heard me correctly. You’re right. I’m scared to end up alone. So that’s why I pushed Chloe away. The woman from the video. We’ve gotten pretty close, and I don't know I panicked. I mean whoever took the video had no right to do that, but I guess people judge me and say how I’m sleeping with her because I’d like to get to the top. But that’s not true. I like the job I have. I have no desire to work in an office. I love working with patients. Hearing them tell me what’s wrong and finding a way to make things better for them.“

”Could it be that you’re scared you won’t measure up? Wanting to prove others wrong? You’d rather be the one who ends a relationship rather than the one who gets his heart broken?“

”Yes to all of the above.“ He nodded.

”Alright. That’s something we can work on.“ I said with renewed energy.

”How? We can’t just fix this mess in a matter of days.“

I smiled softly at him.

”No. But we can slowly build towards improving. You know there is a Hawaiian proverb my grandma always uses: A’ Ohe Pu��u Ki’eki’e Ke Ho’a’o ‘Ia e Pi’i.“

”Uhh…meaning?“ He asked.

”No cliff is so tall it cannot be climbed.“

”I kinda like that phrase.“ He said thoughtfully.

”Yeah it’s beautiful. You know what else? You’re not broken. It just means you haven’t figured out the right formula. I don’t want to turn you into someone you’re not. I just want you to realize that if you keep pushing people away who’d like to be in your life you’ll end up all alone. And that’s not what I want for you. You’re smart, funny and good-looking. Don’t let it go to waste.“

Tobias shook his head as grinned at me.

”You know? Now I understand why Bryce fell for you.“

I grinned at him.

”I told you so. There’s more to me than you might think.“

”I can see that. Also, please tell me I’m not the only one you boss around. At least tell me you do that to Bryce too.“

”Oh trust me I do.“ I laughed again because it felt as if we reached a good point. And I’m glad I could get him to open up.

I can see a big grin forming on Tobias face and I already knew there’s something snarky coming.

”Also I did get something right on the first try.“ He grinned.

”Let me guess how to do sex right.“ I sighed.

”No. It was actually how to pick friends. Maybe after we solve this mess I can try and restore some of my friendships.“

”You got this Carrick.“ I slapped his arm.

”Now you sound like Lahela.“

I winked at him.

”Now what?“ He asked after getting up.

”Now we slowly improve your image. With me by your side things can only get better.“ He laughed out loud and we continued to throw paint at the wall. We might’ve not solved everything, but we’re getting there.

[playchoicesconfessions]

Sent by anonymous

‘Tobias Carrick is so hot.’

POST/CONFESSIONS DO NOT REFLECT THE MOD’S PERSONAL OPINIONS!

[mvalentine]

my take on the entire ethan x tobias as a couple discourse that’s been going around the fandom even though literally no one asked :)

honestly, personally i always thought of ethan & tobias having more than just a friendship in the past. now i haven’t played book2 in a while but i do remember thinking —- okay so we can all agree that those two were more than just very good & platonic friends right? but even if you don’t agree, that’s fine. people are allowed to have their own hcs on ethan’s character and who his potential exes are. hell, i hc ethan’s family as being completely different from canon—- so who am i to speak on what headcanons people should or shouldn’t have.

that being said, it becomes a fucking issue when people try to push this narrative of ‘platonic love’ all of a sudden. suddenly all these people come out of the fucking woodworks saying shit like ‘well, what about platonic love? what about the importance of male friendships?’ and to that i just have to say…. do you truly believe that MALE FUCKING FRIENDSHIPS are more underrepresented in the media than queer relationships? really? also where’s this energy for male and female friendships? why don’t you make your mcs be solely platonic with ethan and have neither side have any sort of feelings? where’s the importance of platonic friendship then?

[macapacaalpaca]

Tell me I’m not the only one that would pay racks to have seen when Tobias told Ethan to eat the *avocado* that was actually Wasabi and he fell for it

[choices-february2023]

Masterlist Week 1

Guinevere

Guinevere and Lancelot | Lancelot du Lac x MC (Guinevere) - @walkerswhiskeygirl

Open Heart

Dance with Me | Bryce Lahela x F!OC - @storyofmychoices

Feeling Wicked | Sienna Trinh x M!OC - @liaromancewriter

La Vie Avec Toi | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC; Sienna Trinh x M!OC - @liaromancewriter

A Mixed-Up Valentine | Tobias Carrick x F!OC; F!MC - @jerzwriter

Sadie's Self Care Sunday #21 | F!MC - @peonyblossom

Red Carpet Diaries

A White Wedding | Thomas Hunt x F!OC - @theartoflovingthomashunt

[jerzwriter]

I. AM. SCREAMING!!!!!!!!!

OMFG I am SCREAMING. lmao

This was way, way, way too much fun. @secretaryunpaid get your ass in here! LMAO.

OK first... IDK why, but that second shot there, with Tobias looking down at the camera...🥵🥵🥵 He's not the only one needing a shower.

The way he casually said, "Harmonie, you're naked." 😂😂😂 STOP

PARTIALLY naked if I remember correctly.

sdfjadkfjdskflddkk!! OK I'm broken. lmao

Worrying about the neighbors? What kind of priorities?

Did I mention I fucking LOVE these two?

I'm flattered...

I'm DEAD. DEAD. 💀💀💀💀

And the SHOWER! And Ethan's COMMENT

DEAD. I am DEAD!!!!

I know in many universes, creators would not depict Ethan as remotely OK with this, and the fact that you DO is so freaking refreshing and fun. I LOVE the dynamic between all of them.

I'm officially saying throuple, raise the kids together... I'm here for it. lol

OH, I had such a rough day, and this just cheered me up - you rock!

Public Figures in Tabloids | Public Beginning | Previous | Next

Tagging: @jerzwriter

[alj4890]

Processing and Developing

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

Taken from Book 3, Ines's wedding reception.

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

Masterlist

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

"You look like you could use this."

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

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

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

Tobias lifted it out of her reach.

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

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

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

She wasn't the only one feeling this way.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But now...

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

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

Tobias pointed towards the photo booth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Her smile grew the longer she looked at him.

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

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

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

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

"Dignity is overrated." Tobias teased.

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

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

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

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

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

She waved goodbye on her way to the open bar.

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

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

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

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

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

"Ethan?"

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

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

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

A muscle spasmed in Ethan's jaw.

"Excuse me." He bit out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The two shared a deep kiss.

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

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

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

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

Tobias shocked him with his response.

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

Chris stilled.

"Relationship?" She asked hesitantly.

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

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

The new couple hurried into the hotel.

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

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

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

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

"Not anymore." Ethan muttered to himself.

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

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

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

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

"Looking for me?" Ethan asked.

"I was worried about you." She admitted.

"I'm fine." He replied.

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

He blinked, stepping away from her.

"I'm not upset." He snapped.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harper wrapped her arms around him in a comforting hug.

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

"Ethan? It will get easier."

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

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

When it came to Chris, it would always hurt.

[jerzwriter]

All in the Past 3/3

FINALLY! I've gotten to the ONE scene request that inspired it all. @angelasscribbles asked for this classic scene from Grey's Anatomy for Tobias and Casey. Heaven forbid I should have left it simple lol I decided to make this a follow-up and alternate ending to one of my favorite short, angsty AUs, Unblemished, because we needed more angst. And here, is the conclusion.

Series Summary: Tobias & Casey were friends turned lovers whose different dreams led them to become friends once again. Two years after their painful breakup, Casey has moved on. Tobias is in town to attend his friend and one-time love's wedding with his new girlfriend on his arm. It's just the wedding of an old friend, or is it?

Part 3 Summary: Casey and Tobias's talk in the wee hours on the morning of her wedding has rippling effects on the couple and their partners. Where do they end up?

Book: Open Heart (Post Series)

Characters/Pairings: Casey MacTavish (F!MC) x M!OC, Tobias Carrick x F!OC, Sienna Trinh

Rating: Teen

Words: 3,100

Series Masterlist

Tobias x Casey Masterlist | OH Masterlist | Full Masterlist

“Hello, Tobias...” Casey whispered. “I’m glad I found you.”

“What are you doing here?” He asked, attempting to make out the time on his watch through bleary eyes. But Casey shook her head in disapproval.

“The time is irrelevant. I’m clearly not going to sleep on the eve of my wedding. Fortunately, I hired one of the best makeup artists around. He’ll know how to make me look awake.”

“Why can’t you sleep?”

Casey motioned toward the bottle of Scotch, and Tobias diligently handed it to her. She took a swig directly from the bottle and plopped down in the chair next to his. 

“Nerves? Overstimulation? Too many relatives, not enough friends? Realizing what I’m about to do?”

“Are you having second thoughts?”

“I’m having thoughts,” she chuckled. “I don’t know if they’re of the second variety.”

She turned to Tobias, the way the moonlight illuminated his features took her back to another time. It felt so close she thought she could touch it.

“It’s funny, isn’t it? You and me standing here... on my wedding day?”

“Yeah, funny,” he sighed. “Then again, it makes sense. We’ve been through a lot together.”

“We sure have,” she smiled. “Tobias,” she asked tentatively, “are you happy?”

“What?”

“Someone asked me if I was happy earlier, and now... I’m asking you.”

“Case, you’re the one getting married in fifteen hours. Shouldn’t we be concentrating on you?”

“I’m trying to distract myself, Carrick,” she smiled. “Can you humor me?”

Tobias couldn’t contain a grin. Did she think he had the strength to deny her anything when she smiled at him like that? Even so, he struggled to offer an answer.

“Define happy?” He shrugged, taking another long sip. 

“You know what happy is. I’ve seen you happy.”

“Yeah, well, maybe I was too stupid to realize what happiness was until it was too late.”

“Is it ever too late?” She asked.

“Yeah,” he sighed. “Sometimes it is.”

Casey gazed at the stars, crickets chirping in the distance, the only sound between them. There was so much she wanted to say, yet nothing felt right. But Tobias was right; eventually, it would be too late, and she couldn’t pass up this chance.

“You’ve had three girlfriends since we broke up. Imani, Mandy, and now Meghan. Right?”

“Yeah?” He asked with a raised brow.

“I was your friend before... so I know. You never had girlfriends before me. There were plenty of... women... but they never rose to that level. I guess I stupidly assumed you’d go back to that after we broke up. I naively let myself believe I was so special that no one else could ever take that place in your life.”

Her face crumpled in embarrassment, and she lowered her face into her hands to hide.  

“I sound so fucking full of myself,” she groaned. “I didn’t mean it that way.”

“I didn’t take it that way,” he assured her, gently removing her hands from her face. The tenderness of his touch bringing a warmth she hadn’t felt in some time. “You were special, Casey. You are special. I didn’t think I’d ever play the relationship game again, either. But... I guess you showed me there’s something to it after all. Maybe it’s not such a bad place to be.”

Casey barked a bitter laugh.

“Well, isn’t that delightful!” She snapped. “How nice of me to teach you! Isn’t it something... you want that life now... after you broke my heart because you said it was something you couldn’t offer.”

“That’s not fair! I never said I didn’t want to be with you! We talked for months and came to a painful decision together. You know I was fine with a relationship; we split because you wanted marriage and children, and I didn’t. And it worked out, right? You’re getting what you wanted?”

“Am I?”

“Yeah. Why am I here? For your big, beautiful wedding... you’ve got the white gown, the string quartet, the miracle worker cosmetician... wasn’t that the dream?”

“That’s what you thought I wanted? Some stupid wedding. This is my mother’s fantasy, not mine! And it wasn’t when I was with you. I wanted to know that the person I loved more than anything would consider marrying me. It was never about some stupid wedding. Not then, and not now!”

“Well,” he smiled. “I think it’s too late for you to elope now.”

She wanted to be mad at him. She wanted to tell him off. But once again, he only made her smile.  

“I’ll say,” she chuckled.

“You know, you mentioned the girlfriends I’ve had since... us... Maybe I should mention your sole boyfriend.”

“Craig? What about him?

Tobias rubbed his hand over his head, taking a moment to compose himself.

“The night you called to tell me about him, I was devastated. I was convinced that I never really mattered to you... not if I was replaced so easily.”

“Tobias,” she gasped. “It wasn’t like that. It wasn’t like that at all! You don’t know where I was. Remember I said this place would never be home? Well, I was right. I was here with no friends or family... heartbroken over losing you! I never felt so alone. I was... broken. Everyone told me to get out there, make new friends, date other people... it was the only way to heal. But for all the talk of southern hospitality, I didn’t find it here. Then, I met this new surgeon. He was kind, funny... and he was crazy about me. For the first time in so long, I didn’t feel alone anymore. He never wavered in his feelings for me and was so confident about what he wanted... a future... with me in it. And that was so refreshing after...”

“After me....” Tobias mumbled.

“Yeah. After you,” Casey asserted. “We had this amazing love, Tobias. I never thought something so precious could end... it meant everything to me. So, when you told me it wasn’t enough....”

“Hey!” He shot back. “I never said it wasn’t enough! I never said I didn’t want forever with you. I just...”

“... didn’t want in it enough to sign on the dotted line.”

“And now you have someone who will. You can say whatever you want, but never say you weren’t everything to me. No one ever has, and no one ever will come close to being what you were to me. Now, I just have to learn to live with the regret of letting you go.”

“What?” she gasped. “What are you saying?”  

“I’m saying letting you out of my life was a mistake. The biggest mistake I’ve ever made.”

“Wha... when did you realize this?”

“From the start, I was just too stupid to admit it. But the night you called me to tell me about Craig... it hit me like a ton of bricks.”

“Then why... why didn’t you say anything?”

“What could I say? You sounded so happy. I had already hurt you enough and had no right to do it again. And I never imagined he’d be the one. So I kept waiting for you to tell me you broke up, then I would have no reason not to tell you...”

“To tell me? Tell me what?”

That I loved you. I never stopped. I couldn’t if I tried... and God knows, I’ve tried. I would have moved heaven and earth for a second chance with you. I needed you as much as I needed the air I breathed, and living without you wasn’t living at all. That you took my heart when I let you go, and without you, I’d never have it back...and I still want you now...   

The words played repeatedly in his mind, but overclouded by one thought, they never made it to his. Today’s her wedding day. He took a deep breath and turned to her with a pained smile.

“Does it matter now? It was a long time ago, and... It’s your wedding day, Casey. I threw away my chance.”

She turned away, surreptitiously wiping a tear from her eye.

“We should have talked more back then. We said so much, yet we said nothing at all.”

“Casey,” he whispered as he held her hand. “You’ve spent two years building a new life with Craig, and you can’t throw that all away. You have brought me more joy than I deserved, and I’m a better man today because of you. I have no doubt that my life is immeasurably richer because you were in it. But,” he lifted her hand and traced her engagement ring with his thumb. “You’re not mine anymore. Craig loves you and will give you the life you want, the one I foolishly didn’t promise. So, when you walk down that aisle today... I need you to know it’s with my blessing... but it won’t be with my presence. You’ve found everything you wanted, and that’s all I’ve wanted for you. But now that you know how I feel... I hope you’ll forgive me, but I can’t watch you pledge your life to someone else.”

Casey dropped his hand, fear growing in her eyes as the meaning of his words dawned on her.

“You’re letting me go,” she sobbed. “You’re really letting me go?”

“You’re marrying Craig. I have to.” 

“But you’ll still be my friend, right?” she whimpered. “You still be my friend... after today?”  

“Do you think that’s a good idea, Case? Or deep down, do you know... maybe we both need to let go... for good. How can we start new lives if we still have one foot in the past.”

“I can’t imagine my life without you in,” she cried.

“You’re going to have a beautiful life, hon,” he whispered. “And one day, I’ll just be a distant memory that makes you smile. Come on,” he said, squeezing her hand. “This is a big day. Concentrate on your happy beginnings... not on what’s already lost.”  

 He placed a lingering kiss on her forehead and decided to bargain with God one last time, only to be let down again, for time failed to stand still. Casey stepped back and gazed into his eyes one last time.

“Promise me you won’t forget me?” she said with a quivering voice.

“How could I? You will always be my favorite... what if?”

Casey’s lips parted slightly. There was so much more to say, maybe too much. The weight became overwhelming, and when words couldn’t be found, she turned and rushed away, leaving Tobias standing alone in the moonlight, just as she had in Boston two years before.

~~~~~

The alcohol served some purpose, or maybe it was emotional exhaustion. Either way, Tobias managed to get a few hours of sleep. When the alarm went off much too early, he wondered if it had all been a dream. But it wasn’t, and he knew what he had to do. 

“Hey, Meg,” he said, nudging his companion awake. “Can you get up? We need to talk.”

~~~~~

Casey rolled her eyes as she sat in the makeup chair with rollers piled high on her head.

“Everything OK there,” Sienna smiled as she handed her friend a large cup of coffee.

“Could my mother be any more chipper? I don’t want to be arrested for homicide on my wedding day, but if she comes in here gushing over how beautiful I am when I still look like,” she motioned toward the mirror, "this! I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

Sienna placed a reassuring hand on her friend's shoulder and gave her a placid smile. She didn’t have to say the words for Casey to hear them.

“I know,” Casey smirked. “You’re thinking an arrest for homicide might not be the worst thing that could happen today.”

“Hey! I promised you one maid of honor-slash-best friend who would stand by your side today, no matter what you decided, and I’m delivering.”

“Even if homicide is on the menu?”

“I’m your ride or die,” Sienna grinned.

“You sure are,” Casey said, squeezing Sienna’s hand.

The room turned quiet as Sienna went to the closet and took out the garment bag containing Casey’s gown. She was about to unzip it when Casey’s words stopped her in her tracks.

“I saw Tobias last night,” she whispered. 

Sienna turned around, her eyes wide. “And?” She asked, rushing to her friend's side.

“Relax,” Casey smiled. “We didn’t sleep together... there’s no chance that I’m having his child or anything.”

“Gee,” Sienna simpered. “That’s a shame. Now, seriously... what happened?”

“He loves me. He never stopped. He said letting me go was the biggest mistake of his life and....”

“And?”

Casey pursed her lips together and fought back a sob. “And he’s skipping the wedding. He said it would be too hard to watch, and he won’t be around anymore. He believes we can’t move on if we don’t really let go, so last night was probably the last time I’ll ever see him.”

“Casey,” Sienna gasped. “I’m so sorry!”

“It’s OK,” She smiled through tears. “He’s not wrong. Being friends was just an excuse to remain in each other's lives. We always wanted more; we just lied to ourselves.”

“Case... now that you know he loves you, and you love him....”

“Si. He made it clear. We’re all in the past now. And, as much as this hurts, it’s probably for the best. I want my marriage to work. So I have to give it my all. I just wish my wedding anniversary and the day I lost the love of my life didn’t have to be the same day.”

“I know you think you’re doing something noble,” Sienna started. “Of course, Craig will be hurt if you call off the wedding, but doesn’t he deserve a wife who's not crying about losing another man on the morning of their wedding day? What I’m saying is... in the long run....”

“I do love Craig,” Casey interrupted. “It’s a different kind of love, but it’s still love, and I know we can build a happy life together. Besides, my parents would kill after all the money they shelled out. So,” she said, looking at her phone. “The makeup guy just texted. Can you let him in the front door? It’s showtime.”

~~~~~

Meghan shot a look at Tobias as she shut her suitcase and zipped it closed. It would be easier to be upset with him if he didn’t look so forlorn.

“I’m really sorry,” he said for the umpteenth time.

“I know,” she half smiled. “Please don’t have to say it again. I meant what I said. I appreciate your honesty and, if I’m being honest... I was thinking of dumping you when we got back to Boston.”

“You were,” he chuckled. “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?”

“Nope. The writing was on the wall, Tobias. You’re in love with someone else, and I want someone who can’t imagine thinking of anyone but me.”

Tobias smiled when Megan reached for his hand. “You know you’re too good for me, right?”

“Oh,” she cackled. “You better believe it.”

The front desk called to let her know her taxi was arriving in ten minutes.

“Well, that’s my ride,” she sighed. “You know, at this point, I’d normally say after you do the work and get over her, call me. If I’m still available, maybe I’d give you a chance because you are a really good guy. But I’m not going to say that.”

“You’re not,” He chuckled.

“Nope. Because you’re not going to get over her. When it’s real, it’s real. And the last thing I will say is... she’s not married yet, Tobias.”

“Someone’s going to be lucky to have you.”

“Oh, I know,” she smirked. “I already matched with some guy on Tinder. I think you know him.”

“Who?”

“Dr. Ramsey,” she winked. “I kid, I kid... but maybe not. He’s kind of cute.”

“Get out of here,” Tobias smiled as Meghan shut the door, leaving him alone with his thoughts.  

~~~~~

The hushed sound of guests’ conversations could be heard over the soft music being played on the piano on the other side of the door. Despite a strong case of nerves, Casey smiled brightly as Sienna fluffed her veil and gave her a final once-over. The bridesmaids had already begun walking down the aisle when Casey’s father walked over and handed his daughter her bridal bouquet.

“Well, this is it, sweetheart,” he beamed.

“This is it!” Casey grinned.

“Last chance,” Sienna smiled ruefully. “Are your head and your heart all in?”

“They’re in,” Casey nodded. “Don’t you know, they always follow each other.”

“Oh, that’s not true,” her father said as he took her arm.

“What do you mean, Dad?”

“People always debate what’s stronger, the heart or the mind.  But the heart will always be the victor. The head can talk all it desires, but the heart will want it wants.” He kissed his daughter’s cheek before placing the veil over her face. “Always follow your heart, sweetheart. Trust me.”

Sienna and Casey locked eyes just as the doors opened, announcing the bride's arrival. 

Craig’s eyes were on Casey the instant the door opened, and his look of utter joy left her riddled with guilt. Casey smiled back but quickly turned her head toward her guests, taking in the faces of people who had meant so much to her throughout her life as she approached the altar. Between smiles and nods, her eyes roamed the room fruitlessly.   Selfishly, she hoped Tobias had changed his mind, even if it was only to see him one last time. But as her foot stepped to its final destination, she knew. He stayed true to his word. He wasn’t there, and she couldn’t blame him. The officiant began.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.....”

The words began to blur together, and the room felt warmer.  Casey swore it had started to spin. While most remained oblivious, the officiant and Craig both took notice.

“Are you OK?” Craig whispered in her ear.

“Yeah, maybe a little dehydrated.”

“We can stop this thing for a pop run if you like,” he smiled, then he turned back to the officiant, but Casey’s eyes remained on him.

She felt nauseous. Sienna was right all along. Craig was a good person, and he deserved a loving, devoted wife... not one who swore she saw another man’s face before her as she stood at the altar. She peered over her shoulder at the congregation to find the smiling faces of their friends and family staring back.  She couldn’t ... she couldn’t do this to Craig... but she didn’t know which option was worse. She swallowed hard, feeling unsteady on her feet.

“Casey and Craig's closest friends and family are here today to bear witness to their union....”

Sienna moved closer and whispered.

“Casey, what do you need?”

“I need... I need...

“Will you promise to love and support their marriage in all the days to come? If so, please respond, and we will.”

The congregation responded in kind as Casey leaned into Sienna. 

“I don’t know if I can do this?”

“Well, your sucks, but if you’re going to....”

Sienna never finished her sentence because all eyes turned to a booming voice from the back of the room.  Tobias stood in the doorway, the bright sun illuminated behind him.  He looked terrified as he walked down the aisle.  He feared a punch to the teeth from Craig or any of his friends in the room, but that he could handle. His biggest fear was Casey’s reaction, but he had made up his mind... she wasn’t married yet... and this was one regret he wouldn’t be able to live with.

“I love you... Casey. I always have. I love everything about you. Even the things I  don’t like, I love....”

Her jaw fell as she turned to him, trembling, her eyes flickered between Tobias and Craig.

“... and I want you with me. I know I let you go, and I’ve regretted it every day since, so I only had two choices... live with the regret forever... or beg you for another chance before it’s too late. So that’s why I’m here. I love you, Casey, and I think that you love me too... Do you?”

Despite her jagged breathing, she could see Tobias nervously swallow, and while she shook like a leaf, it didn’t prevent her from seeing that he was doing the same.  In utter shock, she nervously searched the room as if an answer would be there.

“Casey?” Craig asked.

Sienna moved closer, her arms just inches away from wrapping around her friend, when Casey’s eyes locked with her father’s. He smiled timidly at his daughter, only wishing he could take her out of this place.  Then he lifted his hands before his chest and bent them to form a perfect heart. Casey gave him a smile, and her choice was made.

~~~~~

Euphoria was the only word that could describe it.  Her fingers slipped into his, intertwined as if they were made for each other.  They held on so tightly it felt like their lives depended on it.  Adrenaline had taken over, and there was no way to contain the utter joy and relief they felt. Tobias turned to Casey, beaming from ear to ear as they continued to race toward his car. He opened the door, and she rushed inside, giddy, lightheaded, and laughing with delight. But by the time he rounded the car and slipped into the driver’s seat, guilt and panic were beginning to seep through.

“Oh, my God...” Casey gasped nervously. “What did we just do?”

“Wait, he asked... are you sure about this?”

She turned to him, and one look in his eyes was all it took for her to understand.  There would be regret over how this came to be, but that regret would pale if they didn’t follow their hearts.  Their hearts knew they had always known; Tobias and Casey were two halves of a whole, never to be complete without each other.

Reaching over, she pulled him into a searing kiss, breaking away only when she realized people might come outside and she needed to be with him alone right now.

"I love you, Tobias," she breathed. "I love you so much."

"God, I love you," he smiled. "I'm going to spend every day for the rest of my life letting you know just how much."

“Good!" She grinned, "But, for now, DRIVE!”

And with a smile she’d remember forever, he happily complied. They could deal with the fallout later. It would be fine. There was nothing they couldn’t handle with each other at their sides. But right now, only one thing that mattered... she was his, and he was hers, and everything was finally the way it was meant to be.

A/N: And that's that! lol Yeah, it totally sucked for Craig, but if it makes you feel better, in the original follow-up to Unblemished, Unforgettable, Casey & Craig end up married for a long time, they had two daughters, and only much later did they realize Craig was always second to Tobias in Casey's heart. Casey didn't even realize it herself. While Craig was rightly hurt, he became pretty nasty to Casey as a result. Tobias & Casey still reunited, but they lost a lot of time. So, while this sucks for Craig, it's OK in the end. (Plus, if you ask me, he was a little TOO into her TOO quick. Some red flags there, folks; this is called rationalization!) Thanks for the prompt request @angelasscribbles, and year. I'm insane! :)

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

@choicesprompts

More tags in reblog.

[alj4890]

Look what starts tomorrow!!!

Tobias Carrick Appreciation Week Starts Tomorrow

Event information can be found here

Tagging those who have followed the blog below. Hope to see you participating!

@lucy-268 @myautumnrose @kyra75 @delmissesryan @lightoftheempath @luxurylives @crazy-loca-blog @alj4890 @songsaboutgirls @liaromancewriter @annoyingmillenialnewbie @jerzwriter @hopelessromantic1352 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @trappedinfanfiction @jamespotterthefirst @twinkleallnight

[playchoicesconfessions]

Sent by anonymous

‘I couldn't HC Ethan x Tobias because that would mean that Ethan has never had a meaningful relationship that isn't sexual. From med school to the present. Tobias, Harper and MC: all romance and no pure platonic friendship.  I mean, yes, there's Naveen. But if we follow the same arguments, it would be wrong to assume there wasn't something between them too. Idk it just too wholesome to see Ethan and Tobias as besties. He deserves that.’

POST/CONFESSIONS DO NOT REFLECT THE MOD’S PERSONAL OPINIONS!

[angelasscribbles]

Round Robin Chapter 1: Welcome

This is still untitled and with no mood board because I have no idea where it's going lol.

Word Count: 448

Next writer: @christina-stark-skarlet-stileto

Bertrand Beaumont stepped up to the podium and surveyed the conference room full of malcontents with equal parts excitement and trepidation. This was the most ambitious project of his career.

They were in an undisclosed location. He had a full production team and camera crew on standby. He was acutely aware that the results of this endeavor would make or break his PR firm. But he had complete confidence in his staff.

Tapping on the microphone, he began. “Settle down, please. I understand that everyone in this room is powerful in some way. You’re royalty, celebrities, and top performers in your field. Doctors, CEO’s, etc. You’re not used to being told what to do. I get it. However…”

He waited for the grumbling to die down before continuing. “You’re all here for the same reason. You’ve become a liability for your family, your agency, your recent movie. You’re a PR nightmare for whoever and whatever you’re attached to.”

This time the grumbles were less angry and more conceding.

Bertrand smiled reassuringly. “We’re here to change that. We’re here to help you. I know none of you are accustomed to taking much direction however, for many of you, this is your last chance before you’re fired, blacklisted from Hollywood, or exiled by your families.”

The former crown prince of Dravokia exchanged a sidelong glance with the former crown prince of Cordonia as he mouthed, “Too late!”

Tobias Carrick rose from his chair to demand, “And how, exactly, are you going to do that?”

Bertrand smiled, “I’m glad you asked! This program will not only teach you the skills you need to spin public opinion but will put you in situations to showcase those skills. Publicly.”

“Publicly?” Came a question from the back.

“Yes, publicly. First, you’ll receive instructions on how to conduct yourselves and then you’ll put what you’ve learned by attending a series of public appearances where you will behave properly. You will rehabilitate your images with the support of our staff and your partner.”

A murmur broke out as several people asked, “What partner?”

“Oh, we have taken the liberty of pairing each of you up with a mentor. Someone who already has a stellar public image. Just being seen with them in public will help you. This person will be your shadow for the duration of the program.”

“How long are we stuck here?” Leo Rys spoke up. He hadn’t abdicated a throne to have his life micro-managed by a PR firm.

“Until your approval ratings are acceptable.”

“Great.” He huffed as he slumped back into his seat. “Just fucking dandy.”

“Everyone get a good night’s sleep,” Bertrand told them brightly. “We start in the morning!”

[storyofmychoices]

Hello, Love!

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

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

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

Elmo's Special Visit

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

Book: Open Heart

Word Count: >650 (dialogue fic)

Rating/Warnings: general, no warnings

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

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

Tobias: (frowning playfully) I'm insulted!

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

*children clapping and cheering*

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

*children screaming and agreeing*

Olivia: How are you feeling today, Elmo?

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

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

Elmo: Elmo is very nervous!

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

Elmo shaking slightly and biting his hand still visibly worried

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children: 5 - 6!

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

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

Elmo: I think Elmo's got it now!

Elmo models it, and all the children cheer him on

Tobias: How do you feel now, Elmo?

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

Children cheer in reply

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

Elmo: 

🎵 Doctors and friends are here to help you!

Doctors and friends are here to make you smile.

When you're feeling down or worried,

Here's what you need to do!

You take a deep breath and count to four

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

Say goodbye to all those worries

and shake those nerves away! 🎵

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

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

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

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

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

Children: Thank you, Elmo!

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

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

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

Olivia: Of course, Elmo!

Elmo hugs Olivia and then Tobias

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

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

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

[peonierose]

Perma tags:

@dutifullynuttywitch @princess-geek @kingliam2019 @cariantha

@karahalloway @secretaryunpaid @potionsprefect

@aallotarenunelma @jerzwriter @alj4890

@surrrenderronniebabe1 @quixoticdreamer16

@amortentiaopenheart @annieruok94 @ladylamrian

@kristinamae093 @a-cloud-for-dreams

@mysticalgalaxysstuff @starrystarrytrouble @inlocusmads

@genevievemd @issabees

@jamespotterthefirst @stars-are-within-me

@the-mrsreigns @thosehallowedhalls @openheartforeverinmyheart

@annfg8 @eleanorbloom @zealouscanonindeer

OH only:

@liaromancewriter @the-pale-goddess @lilyoffandoms @zahrachoices @trappedinfanfiction @takemyopenheart

Other tags:

@choicesprompts @choicesficwriterscreations

Round Robin: Chapter 5 - Don’t call me Angel

Book: OH & TRR crossover

Characters mentioned: Luna Auclair (F!OC - OH), Bryce Lahela (M!MC - OH), Tobias Carrick (M!MC - OH, Maxwell Beaumont (M!MC - TRR) and Bertrand Beaumont (M!MC - TRR)

Words in total: 3,373k

A/N: Masterlist for Round Robin @choicesprompts I’m participating for Round Robin for the 1st time and I really hope I could do the characters justice 🥰

Side note: Thank you so much for helping me with this story and helping me get inspired @aallotarenunelma & @annieruok94 🩷🩷🩷🩷

A few weeks ago…

Luna

The phone rang somewhere in the house while I was in the middle of an art project.

A few seconds later I heard footsteps and when I turned around I saw Bryce appear in the doorway, handing me my phone.

”Who is it?“ I asked and turned to my canvas again.

”No idea some fancy talking guy said he wanted to talk to you.“

”Is he sure he got the right person?“ ”Beats me.“

I furrowed my brow and pushed my dark blonde hair out of my face and accidentally got some teal paint in my hair. Good thing it’ll wash out.

”Hello?“ I wiped my paint covered fingers on a cloth I kept handy when I painted.

”Am I speaking to Ms. Luna Auclair?“ A deep voice with a slight accent can be heard from the other end.

”Yes. And who is this?“ I put the phone on speaker and got up slowly as I took my brushes to the sink to wash them.

”My name is Bertrand Beaumont from House Beaumont in Cordonia. I’m sure you’ve heard of me.“

”Hmm. Sorry doesn’t ring a bell.“ I say not able to resist teasing him. Bryce snickered next to me.

”You’re so mean.“ He mouthed, and I kissed his stubbled cheek, making him smile.

I turned back to the conversation, putting Bertrand out of his misery. Poor guy must’ve thought the worst of me.

”I’m just kidding Mr. Beaumont I know who you are. So what can I do for you?“ I turned off the faucet and put my paint brushes upside down so they could dry.

”I could use your help.“ He sounded hesitant, which made me instantly curious.

”Help with what?“

”We have our PR firm that we founded, and we’re trying to give some people a better public image.“ I took my phone into my hand.

”What does that have to do with me? I’m not a PR person. I have a bachelor's degree in fine arts, and I’m currently teaching art at the University of Hawaii.“

I took a look at my half-finished painting sitting on the easel, and decided to let the painting dry for now. I’ll keep working on it later.

When I closed the door Bryce and I walked towards the backyard, where we sat down in our beach chairs, while Bertrand’s voice kept coming out of the speaker.

”I’m very well aware. But I know you’re someone who’s skilled as an artist. And I know you think outside the box, and that’s exactly what we need.“

”I will need more information than that if you want my help.“ I could hear some commotion before another voice replaced Bertrand's.

”Luna right? Hi I’m Maxwell, Bertrand’s brother. Look, my brother's social skills suck sometimes. I have the cliff notes version if you want it?“

”Um…sure fire away.“

”Alright. A few weeks ago there was a bit of an…let’s call it an incident. Tobias Carrick was caught making out with the daughter of one of the hospital directors of Mass Kenmore. Someone apparently posted it online. Of course, it’s gone viral. The damage is done and he could get fired. Because apparently it’s unethical.“

”Poor Tobias. He’s a good friend of me and my fiancé Bryce so he has our sympathies especially since this a massive violation of their privacy to put the video online. I’m really sorry he’s going through that.“

I looked at Bryce who was as surprised as me to hear about this.

”Both Bertrand and I feel terrible, because Tobias seems like such a great guy and then for someone to swoop in and destroy his image like that. This is actually where you come into play. Let’s just say we’ve tried other people to fix his image, but it didn’t work.“

”Like I told your brother, I’m not a PR person. I have zero experience.“

”That’s not what we’re looking for. I’m talking about your other accolades. You’re not only one of the youngest people to finish your bachelor degree, but one where all your professors had only glowing compliments for you. You also published your own book, called Kala Kala - Overcoming anxiety with the help of art. Very nice read. I loved it, it’s also super colorful by the way. Not only do you teach art at the senior center, you’re an active member at arts on the fence, a non-profit organization in Honolulu, Hawaii. You love malasdas and are allergic to ginger. Should I continue? I’ve got more.“

”I…no…that’s fine. But how did you find out that much about me? Not everything is available online.“ I was wondering how the hell they got my phone number, and all the things in my bio Maxwell just mentioned. Why would they even be interested in seeking out my help?

”Let’s say a mutual, redhead found out about it. She bought some of your art, and she said you could be a good fit. I think the phrase »ovaries of steel« was mentioned.“

I gasped in awe.

”You don’t mean Olivia Nevrakis do you? Because then I’m so in. I’d love to meet her. And of course help out in any way I can.“

I heard a whoop and a sigh.

”Is that a yes?“ Maxwell asked unsure.

”Hold on a sec.“ I muted the conversation.

”What do you think B?“ I asked Bryce and I could see his beautiful face, that I could sketch every single day and not get tired of looking at.

”I mean I’m sorry Tobias is going through this. He’s our friend, but are you sure you’re up for it?“ His brown eyes were filled with worry as he gently caressed my stomach.

”I’ll be fine. Women have gotten pregnant before and have worked until they’ve given birth.“ I said with more conviction than I felt right now.

”I know you’re trying to be strong but okay. If you’re really sure, then I’m okay with it, but the smallest hitch, and we’re going back home. And don’t think of going alone. I don’t care who they are. You’re my fiancé and the mother of my kids. So they better believe I’ll be going with you.“

”I love your protective mode.“

”Out of all the things I’ve said, that’s what you focused on?“

I grinned and then I unmuted the conversation.

”Maxwell? I’m in.“

”Thanks Luna. I promise you won’t regret it.“

”I better don’t. Otherwise, you’ll hear me yell at you.“

Maxwell chuckled.

”You got it. There’ll be a private jet to pick you up. I’ll send you the arrival date. Can’t wait to meet you. From the pictures I’ve seen, you're really beautiful.“

”Careful there Casanova.“ Bryce chimed in, and I grinned as I pushed my hand through his soft brown hair, making him relax.

”No worries, I know she’s taken. We’ll see you soon in Cordonia, bye.“

Before I could say anything else the phone call ended. Bryce and I just stared at the phone and then laughed at how surreal the situation was.

Who would’ve thought I’d meet members of House Beaumont?

Though it looked as if a new adventure was coming our way.

5 days later

So here I was on day five not making any kind of improvement whatsoever.

I’ve tried talking to Tobias, but nothing worked to get through to him.

He acted as if nothing was wrong and there’s no part where he could lose his job. He’s been painted as the bad guy but doesn’t seem to care.

I got up this morning, let Bryce sleep in a little, as I went down to the pool to figure out a new strategy for how to fix this mess.

That’s when I saw Tobias flirting with a woman by the pool.

You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m trying to repair his image, and he’s out here flirting? Oh, hell no!

”Having fun?“ I asked when I stood next to him. Tobias turned his light green eyes to me, focusing on me rather than the woman he was just talking to a minute ago.

As if he wasn’t already good-looking enough, the smile he threw my way made his face even more beautiful.

”Good morning to you too, gorgeous.“

”Sorry buddy but that charm is wasted on me. I’m engaged and I’m expecting.“

”Does that mean I can’t flirt with you?“ Tobias smirked.

”You can. But it won’t have any effect.“ I said and took a towel from the rack and threw it at him.

”Get dressed.“ I said, and he took the towel, but didn't move. He threw an apologetic smile at the woman who was sitting next to him. She slipped him a small piece of paper and left. He watched her walk away and nodded his head in appreciation.

I cleared my throat, and he turned his gaze on me.

”Let me guess you have another glorious idea how to restore my image?“

”You can call it that. You have 10 minutes to get dressed and be back.“

”Let’s make it 15 alright?“ Tobias laughed.

”Now it’s 10 minutes.“

”Does that tone ever work on Bryce?“

”I’m not going to repeat myself.“

”Now you sound like a school teacher.“ He replied but got up. That’s progress I guess.

”Look, I was assigned to give you some sort of glowing makeover for your reputation. If you don’t want it? Fine. I have better things to do.“

Tobias stared back at me, his charm gone.

”Like what? Be all sunshiny? No offense, but don’t you ever have a bad day or get angry? In all the time you’ve been here you’re always smiling and never losing your cool. You’re more like a robot.“

His comment hit me more than I thought it would, so I got up in his face. Which is hard since he’s taller than me, but I made it work.

”Don’t mistake my bubbly personality for being just that. There’s a lot more to my character and my personality than being happy and positive. You don’t know me that well if your words are any indication.“

His eyes widened for a fraction.

”My bad.“

”And that was lesson number 12.“

Tobias rolled his eyes.

”What I don’t get is why they even assigned you to me? We’re polar opposites.“

”You know what’s interesting? In our whole convos, you’ve avoided talking about this whole incident that led up to this moment right now. You keep acting as if you don’t care, and it’s no concern of yours. But you avoid talking about the core problem.“

Tobias crossed his arm.

”Please enlighten me.“

”You’re not a bad guy. But you’d rather have people believe you’re a dick then let them think you have a heart. That’s interesting.“

”Are you done psychoanalyzing me?“ His voice sounded more and more irritated.

”If you think that we’re done? Then you don’t know me at all. We’re just getting started. Get dressed. And don’t be late. If you’re not down in 5 minutes I’m leaving. So dealers choice.“

”Fine, I'll go get dressed. Doesn’t mean this conversation is over.“

”Now it’s 9 minutes.“ I said and watched him quicken his steps while I sat down and enjoyed the nice view of the ocean.

10 minutes later…

”What is this place?“ He asked without really seeming to pay attention.

”It’s called a room. With walls and windows. And sometimes there’s even a door.“

He snickered.

”I know what a room is. I meant what are we doing in this room?“ He looked at all the cans of paint I had people assemble for this exercise.

”That’s the fun part. Team building exercise. It’s also pregnancy safe, which is a plus.“ I grinned, but he just looked at me and didn't reply.

”The point of this exercise is to let go of past hurts. Look at it this way, you can just let all your anger out. I like to call it angry painting.“

I take a can of paint, open it and see the color coral crush. I took it and threw some at the wall.

Tobias regarded me and I handed him another can, he took but stared at it as if it’s been touched by Medusa herself.

”Do you even know how to get angry?“ He looked at me skeptically as he kept holding the pint can in his hands.

”Excuse me?“

He opened the can of paint and a soft canary yellow joined the coral crush tone on the wall.

”Look, all you’ve said is how I have a heart and I don’t let others see it. But you don’t even know me. How do you expect me to trust you?“

”Is this finally the heart-to-heart you’re giving me? One that the others failed to get?“

”Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to partner up.“ He set the can down and was about to walk away.

”Giving up so soon? That’s a shame.“

”What?“ He stopped and slowly turned my way.

”I know you’re the type of guy who likes to do things rather than sit around and talk.“

”You’ve been paying attention? I’m shocked. Everybody knows I’m competitive, that's not a secret.“

”Of course I’ve been paying attention. You know I have bad days and angry moments too. I’m not just some blonde bimbo, who can’t count to three. I notice a lot more than people think.“

”Such as?“ He raised his eyebrows daringly as he leaned against the door frame.

”When you get nervous you bite your lip and clench your left fist. Which would lead me to believe you are left-handed.“

I kept going.

”Whenever I ask you a personal question or try to tackle the issue, you laugh it off, meaning you’re not ready to talk to me or improve your image. You think it’s fine and it doesn't need any polishing. If people don’t like you or think you’re a dick that’s on them.“

Tobias doesn’t say anything.

”I’d wager you’re someone who likes to do things his way or the highway. You don’t play well with others because you like to be in control. It’s hard for you to give anyone even an ounce of your trust because you believe trust is earned. You said it yourself I don’t know much about you, so why should you trust me? So did I get any of that right?“

Tobias didn’t say anything. He didn’t even move a muscle.

”Your silence indicates I got something right.“

”Even if you did get it right, it doesn’t mean I need your help.“

”So what you’d let your image get destroyed and let others decide on the narrative rather than trying to fix it? That doesn’t sound like the Tobias I got to know.“

”I can’t control what people think.“

”Maybe not. But you can let them see that there’s more to you. Do you know what I see right now?“

”What?“

”Someone who’s been hurt in the past, and now you’re hurt again. But you’re trying so hard to bury those feelings that you’re drowning in them.“

”Sounds like a therapy session.“ He mumbled.

”Art is therapy. Did you know I basically got bullied out of the art gallery I worked at in Boston?“

He shook his head. By the look in his eyes I could tell I got his attention.

”I had no idea, but I’m sorry to hear that. Why did you get fired?“

”I quit. I’ve been struggling with anxiety for years. And they’ve seen me as someone they can demean and push around. My voice was snuffed out. I’ve always seen art as freedom, choosing to make art work for you. Art has helped me find an outlet, find my voice. Let me be creative and put paint on a canvas when I can’t name my own feelings.“

He rubbed his neck as if uncomfortable by my word vomit.

”I had no idea. And I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be a dick. I just…“

”You needed to vent so you let it out on me. I get it. We all lash out when we’re angry. Usually at the people we’re close to.“

”But you seem so calm and composed. You and Bryce never even fight. You’re so perfect.“

I threw my head back and let out a laugh. Making it echo from the walls.

I turned back to Tobias who was looking at me as if I grew another head.

”Do you really believe that? Of course Bryce and I fight. We have disagreements all the time. But we’ve learned how to handle them. Even if we don’t speak to each other for days, it doesn't mean we hate each other. But it means hey I need space I’ll talk when I’ve cooled off. We found our rhythm. We love and understand each other.“

He sighed and sat down, leaning on the wall that was just covered with paint, he winced when he realized it, but he didn’t sit down somewhere else.

”What a mess I’ve created, but maybe you’re right.“

”I must have a fever, or did you just say I’m right?“ I grinned and he smiled back.

”No you heard me correctly. You’re right. I’m scared to end up alone. So that’s why I pushed Chloe away. The woman from the video. We’ve gotten pretty close, and I don't know I panicked. I mean whoever took the video had no right to do that, but I guess people judge me and say how I’m sleeping with her because I’d like to get to the top. But that’s not true. I like the job I have. I have no desire to work in an office. I love working with patients. Hearing them tell me what’s wrong and finding a way to make things better for them.“

”Could it be that you’re scared you won’t measure up? Wanting to prove others wrong? You’d rather be the one who ends a relationship rather than the one who gets his heart broken?“

”Yes to all of the above.“ He nodded.

”Alright. That’s something we can work on.“ I said with renewed energy.

”How? We can’t just fix this mess in a matter of days.“

I smiled softly at him.

”No. But we can slowly build towards improving. You know there is a Hawaiian proverb my grandma always uses: A’ Ohe Pu’u Ki’eki’e Ke Ho’a’o ‘Ia e Pi’i.“

”Uhh…meaning?“ He asked.

”No cliff is so tall it cannot be climbed.“

”I kinda like that phrase.“ He said thoughtfully.

”Yeah it’s beautiful. You know what else? You’re not broken. It just means you haven’t figured out the right formula. I don’t want to turn you into someone you’re not. I just want you to realize that if you keep pushing people away who’d like to be in your life you’ll end up all alone. And that’s not what I want for you. You’re smart, funny and good-looking. Don’t let it go to waste.“

Tobias shook his head as grinned at me.

”You know? Now I understand why Bryce fell for you.“

I grinned at him.

”I told you so. There’s more to me than you might think.“

”I can see that. Also, please tell me I’m not the only one you boss around. At least tell me you do that to Bryce too.“

”Oh trust me I do.“ I laughed again because it felt as if we reached a good point. And I’m glad I could get him to open up.

I can see a big grin forming on Tobias face and I already knew there’s something snarky coming.

”Also I did get something right on the first try.“ He grinned.

”Let me guess how to do sex right.“ I sighed.

”No. It was actually how to pick friends. Maybe after we solve this mess I can try and restore some of my friendships.“

”You got this Carrick.“ I slapped his arm.

”Now you sound like Lahela.“

I winked at him.

”Now what?“ He asked after getting up.

”Now we slowly improve your image. With me by your side things can only get better.“ He laughed out loud and we continued to throw paint at the wall. We might’ve not solved everything, but we’re getting there.

[macapacaalpaca]

Guys I have a locum doctor covering my appointment and just saw that his name’s Dr. Hopkins and I’m trying not to laugh because all I can think of is Ethan and Tobias lol