#sienna x m!oc

[jerzwriter]

All in the Past

AU Mini-Series Part 1 of 3

This started as a request from @angelasscribbles for ONE scene. Three parts later... 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. All three parts will be posted today.

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 1 Summary: Tobias and Meghan leave Boston to attend Casey's wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina. It's a little getaway, a happy trip to see his two friends get hitched. But prewedding events lead to unexpected and uninvited emotions coming to the surface. Tobias gets a cold shoulder from Sienna, and their frank conversation leaves more questions than answers.

Book: Open Heart (Post Series)

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

Rating: Teen

Words: 2,700

Series Masterlist

Tobias x Casey Masterlist | OH Masterlist | Full Masterlist

Ladies and gentlemen, we have touched down at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, where it is 80 degrees, and conditions are bright and sunny. We thank you for flying Transit Airlines and wish you the best with whatever brings you to the area. 

"Sir?" A woman gently nudged Tobias's arm when he didn't reply. "Sir... I'm sorry, but I need to get...."

"Oh, of course," Tobias apologized, jumping from his seat to allow the woman through.

He was usually the first to get off a flight, but today, he found himself lost in his thoughts, and he still hadn't found his way back as he reached into the overhead compartment to grab his bag. All it took was an arm looping around his waist to snap him back into the present. The petite, red-haired beauty's smile lit up the cabin as she held him tight; she was as happy as he was pensive.

"I missed you," she beamed. "You were such a gentleman agreeing to give that mom your seat so she could sit with her child, but I have a warning for you."

"Oh yeah," he grinned. "What’s that?”

“If we’re ever on a flight longer than two hours, you’re prohibited from doing that. I need you near me... deal?”

“I’ll tell you what. If we’re ever on a flight longer than two hours, I’ll spring for first class, so it’s not an issue.”

“Hmmm, I could handle that,” Meghan smiled.

“Good,” he smiled, taking her hand. “Now, let’s get off this plane.”

~~~~~

He couldn’t describe his mood if he tried. Melancholy was too sad;  wistful may be more fitting, though neither truly worked. He was happy, he reminded himself. More importantly, Casey was happy, too. It had been over two years since that cold Boston night when they tearfully said goodbye. Fast friends from the start, they eventually turned into much more. When different goals ended their dreams of “forever,” they were heartbroken and said goodbye, foolishly believing it was where their story ended. People don’t always see the invisible string that binds souls that are meant to be connected, and when Casey’s phone rang three months later, not answering was never a consideration. They started as friends, and perhaps that’s where they were meant to be. That’s what they were now. Friends. Good friends.

“Welcome to the Umstead Hotel,” an overexuberant young woman smiled. “What name is your reservation under?”

“Uh... Carrick. Dr. Tobias Carrick.”

“I have you right here! You’re in town for the MacTavish-Duncan wedding?”

“That’s right,” he nodded.

“Wonderful! The couple is hosting a cocktail reception for their out-of-town guests in the lounge at six.”

“That’s so sweet!” Meghan gushed, taking hold of Tobias’s arm. “We’re going, right?”   

“Of course,” he smiled with some apprehension. “As long as I get in a nap... that early flight wiped me out more than I thought it would.”

“Fine, old man,” Meghan laughed as they entered the elevator, her head firmly on his shoulder.

He was just tired. He told himself. Besides, it was normal to feel emotional when a good friend was married. And Casey was among his best. It all made sense. Perfect sense.  

~~~~~

The evening found him at the bar alone, anxiously twirling his old-fashioned in his hand. They had only been in their room fifteen minutes when Meghan realized she left her shoes in Boston. She was in an Uber on her way to the North Hills Mall in minutes, leaving Tobias to his nap. She promised she’d be back by six, but Tobias knew her well enough to know if shoe shopping was involved... he’d be lucky if she returned by ten.  

He noticed a small group of wedding guests mingling toward the back of the lounge but didn’t recognize any faces. The normally social doctor wasn’t in the mood for small talk, so he stayed put. He didn’t want to come at all, but hurting Casey’s feelings wasn’t something he was willing to do. Now, it looked like she was a no-show for her own party, so he made a decision. He had already waited the requisite twenty minutes; he was finishing this drink and then making a beeline back to his room. But as he raised the glass to his lips, he heard her voice. It didn’t matter how much time had passed, he’d know it anywhere.

“Hello, stranger!”

They were just friends now, nothing more. So why did he feel his heart flutter? His signature smirk was firmly in place before turning to greet her. A natural defense mechanism to keep the butterflies at bay. But when his eyes fell upon her, all pretense disappeared. 

How did she only become more beautiful? Etheral is how he’d describe her. Blonde hair pulled into a whispy updo, with delicate off-white flowers pinned to hold it in place. Her matching silk dress gracefully skimmed over every curve that he knew so well, and her smile. That smile had melted his heart and pulled him out of more bad days than he dared to count. And after all the years he’d known her, after all they had been through, it still rendered him speechless. Noticing his silence was lasting too long, he jumped from his bar stool to embrace her. A brilliant grin hid the war of emotions battling inside him.

“Stranger indeed! I haven’t heard from you in a while, kid. I was beginning to think you rescinded my invitation.”

“As if!” Casey laughed. “It hasn’t been that long. You try managing a busy career, a publishing deadline, and planning a wedding for two hundred of your nearest and dearest. See how much time you’d have to chat.”  

“Casey... do you ever see me in that position?” He asked wryly.

He swore he saw her smile falter, and a bit of her effervescence was gone. But why would it be? She was happy. It must have been one old-fashioned too many.   

“No,” she spoke softly. “I guess I don’t.”

“You look stunning,” he smiled. “How do you plan to outdo this on your big day?”

“Stop,” she said with a playful slap on his arm. “I’m immune to your flattery by now, don’t you know?”

They both laughed nervously as his eyes roamed the room. Still, no sight of Meghan, and someone else was missing, too.

“Where’s Craig? I haven’t heard from him either. I was going to see if we could shoot some hoops before the wedding.”

“He got called into an emergency surgery,” she shrugged. “The glamourous life of doctors. And where is Mandy? You said you were bringing a plus one. I assumed she’d be joining you.”

“Mandy? It’s Meghan,” he chuckled. “Mandy and I broke up some time ago.”  

“Oh, sorry. It’s hard to keep up with you. So, where is your latest and greatest?”

“She had to run to the mall for a few things. But she’ll be back soon.”

“Good,” Casey smiled politely. “I can’t wait to meet her. How long have you two...” She raised her hands, visibly checking herself. Her cheeks red with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, that’s none of my business...”

“It’s OK,” Tobias laughed, reassuringly touching her elbow, then dropping it when the gesture took both by surprise. “It’s not a state secret. Only a few months... don’t worry... we’re not headed down the alter anytime soon.”

Casey let out a wry laugh, and her words came out more curtly than intended. “I didn’t expect you would be.”

“Yeah,” Tobias muttered, gulping down the remains of his drink. “Walking down aisles isn’t exactly my thing. Is it?”

“Well, it was your excuse for ending things with me,” she replied with her arms crossed. “But you never know. Sometimes people change.”

Casey felt her stomach drop. What if he had changed? Accepting that Tobias was generally opposed to marriage was one thing, but if he ever took that step, she’d have to admit that marriage wasn’t the issue... she was, and that was too painful to imagine. She began to perspire, and was filled with worry. This wasn’t the reaction she should be having when her wedding was just over a day away. Her eyes darted around the room, desperate for a reason to escape.

“Well, I should mingle with the other guest,” she settled on. “Without Craig here, it’s double duty for me. But you and Meghan will be at brunch tomorrow morning, right?”

He hadn’t been aware there was a brunch. And since laying eyes on Casey, attending more wedding events was the last thing he wanted to do, but he detected the hint of pleading in her voice.

“Do you want me there?” he asked softly.

Casey nodded effusively. “I do.”

“Then I’ll be there,” he assured. “We both will.”

~~~~~

Brunch was... awkward. Tobias was sure Casey thought seating them together was a good idea, but she probably didn’t know how long Sienna Trinh could hold a grudge. And with Sienna’s plus one coming down with the flu, Tobias, Meghan, and Sienna made for an awkward trio.

Casey viewed their breakup as mutual, but Siennna saw things differently. Tobias was a stupid man who let his commitment issues ruin a wonderful thing, leaving her friend heartbroken. He hoped more than two years passing and Casey marrying someone else would have changed Sienna’s opinion of him, but all indications said otherwise. Sienna picked at her stack of blueberry pancakes as they all struggled to make small talk. Perhaps they could talk shop?

“So, Meghan, you’re at Edenbrook, too? What department do you work in?”

“I’m a paralegal. I work with the CEO.”

“Oh,” Sienna smiled politely, that didn’t work. After more uncomfortable silence, Meghan made the next attempt.

“I’m really looking forward to the wedding. The venue they selected is just beautiful! I’ve seen it on some wedding shows but never thought I’d get to attend a wedding there.”

Sienna held back a laugh. “I can understand that. I mean... because we live in Boston, and you know... you’re with Tobias.”

Losing patience, Tobias tossed his linen napkin on the table. “And what’s that supposed to mean, Si?”

“Just that you avoid weddings like the plague. I was shocked to hear you were coming.”

“It’s Casey’s wedding,” he smiled tersely. “Do you think I’d miss it?”

“I guess the answer’s no,” Sienna smiled smugly.

“You know, I’m going to run to the ladies' room,” Meghan announced. 

Sienna wiped her lip, “I’ll join you.”

“No,” Meghan insisted. “I need a moment away from this cold war, and if you both care about Casey as much as you profess to, maybe you should work out whatever... this... is before her wedding day. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

Tobias and Sienna sat slack-jawed momentarily, then a slight smile formed on his lips. 

“I guess I deserved that,” Sienna stated. “Meghan seems lovely, and no matter my feelings toward you, I shouldn’t have made her uncomfortable. I owe her an apology.”

“Maybe what we owe her is doing what she asked us to do,” he replied. “Sienna... what exactly is your problem with me? I know people can be bitter about their best friend’s exes, but Casey and I are good friends. If we put the past in the past, why can’t you?”

Sienna shut her eyes, warring over how much she should or should not say.

“It’s different,” she started cautiously. “I got to see the extent of the damage after the two of you fell apart. Whose apartment do you think she ended up at that last night in Boston? Who do you think she sat on the phone listening to her cry all night after she moved? I know you were hurting after things ended, but I experienced her pain. You were spared that.”

“Sienna, breakups are painful. You know that! And no, I didn’t see her immediate aftermath because we felt not contacting each other for a while would be for the best. But I was living through my own personal hell. It was hard on both of us.”

“Then why’d you do it? Tobias? All she wanted was a future with you... You’re the one who said it wasn’t possible!”

“We wanted different futures. Hers included a wedding... just like this one... a house in the suburbs, two kids, and a dog. I never wanted that and didn’t want to promise her something I couldn’t guarantee. Don’t you think I had wished I could? I could put you on the phone with my best friend. Kerry would tell you how wrong it was for Casey to want that life more than she wanted me... but you’re both wrong. We made a choice together, and it was painful as fuck. But, Si, it wasn’t my fault.”

“I guess,” Sienna sighed. “It’s just hard to see you both throw something so special, so rare away. It’s two years later and still hard to see.”

“I understand, but... Casey was dating Craig six months later, and she’s marrying him tomorrow. She and I are friends, hell, Craig and I are friends... so why are we even discussing this?”

“Because I’m her best friend... and I know how someone should be acting before they get married... and I still don’t see that in Casey.”

“What... what are you talking about....”

“She’s happy, sure... to a degree... but I’ve seen her when she was truly happy, and this seems like a facsimile.”

“Sienna,” he stalled, “She’s busy planning this weekend and under a lot of stress, but I’ve been around them. She loves Craig.”

“I know she does,” Sienna replied. “But she was in love with you.”

Tobias sat in stunned silence when he noticed Craig mingling with guests across the way. Looking for any excuse to evade the topic, he spat, “There’s Craig, uh... I’ve been looking for him... wanted to see him before the wedding, but he seems a little evasive...”

“Of course he has. Don’t you realize? Tobias, you’re the one who got away. You’re her best friend... other than me... that is. Do you think he needs a reminder before he says his I dos?”  

“I... I thought coming here was the right thing to do... I just wanted to... to be here for them... and to see...”

“To see what?”

“To see she really moved on. To really... let her go.”

“Right,” Sienna smiled. “But you’re over her. I’m glad we talked, T. I think my bitterness toward you is just my overprotectiveness of Casey. I love her. But I can be a bit of a momma bear.”

“No shit!” he said with a half-smile as Sienna narrowed her eyes at him.

“I’m trying to make amends. Shut up before I change my mind. Truce?”

“Of course. How could I be mad at you for being protective of Casey.”

“I know,” Sienna smiled, pushing away from the table. “Do me a favor. Just lay low until the wedding. Be there to support her, then go live your life and let Casey move on with hers. We have to trust that she made this decision knowing what’s right for her, and... we should both respect that.”

“I never intended to do anything but.”

“Good.” Sienna looked up and saw Meghan approaching the table. “I owe you an apology and want to thank you. This talk was overdue, and I promise. We’ll be grown-ups from now on.”

“Hey, I was being a grown-up,” Tobias protested.

“Tobias, is this the hill you want to die on?” Sienna snapped back.

“Continue...” he grinned.  

Sienna extended her hand. “It was very nice meeting you.”

“It’s lovely meeting you, too,” Meghan agreed. “Maybe we can get coffee back in Boston?”

“Sure, I’d like that. Tobias, I like her... be good to her.”

Tobias slipped his hand into Meghans and smiled. “That’s my intention. Thanks, Sienna.”

After Sienna walked away, Tobias turned to Meghan and thanked her for forcing them to talk. “You’re pretty special, you know. that?”

“I do,” she smiled sweetly. “But let's go back to our room because now it’s our turn to talk.”

"About?"

"About why we're at this wedding..."

"Meg," Tobias sighed. "We're here to see my friend... my friends... get married. Nothing more."

"Good, then it won't be an issue to have a quick talk about it...right?"

He let out a soft sigh. It was the last thing he wanted, but he knew better than to think Meghan would let it go.

"Right," he stood up, extending his hand to her. "Lead the way."

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @choicesjuly2023challenge - Fairytale

[choicesmonthlychallenge]

☕️ Picktober: Week Three

[October Prompts] || [October Masterlists]

We are a little over halfway through the month, but there's still plenty of time to create for any of the Picktober themes! Thank you for those that participated in week three! If I am missing your entry, please let me know asap, Tumblr seems to be extra glitchy this week!

⟢Blades of Light & Shadow:⟢

Love & Friendship: Daenarya x Maiele 🎨 art by @cashweasel ; submitted by @storyofmychoices

Of Leaves & Laughter 🖊️ [Mal x F!OC] by @storyofmychoices

⟢The Deadliest Game:⟢

Alexiares Mason 🎨 [MC] by @lilyoffandoms

⟢Dirty Little Secrets:⟢

Brooklyn 🎨 [MC] by @lilyoffandoms

⟢High School Story:⟢

Black Cat Aiden (edit) by @cadybear420

⟢Open Heart:⟢

A Change of Plans 🖊️ [Tobias x F!MC] by @jerzwriter

Corn Maze Adventure 🖼️ [Sienna x M!OC] by @liaromancewriter

Motivation 📱 [Sienna x M!OC] by @liaromancewriter

⟢The Royal Romance:⟢

Chance of a Lifetime 🖊️ [Liam x F!MC] by @tessa-liam

[peonyblossom]

Ships I'll Write For

for reference :)

Pixelberry

Alpha

m!Channing Lowe x m!MC (Kalani Mochizuki)

America's Most Eligible

Carson Stewart x f!MC (Juliet James)

Blades of Light and Shadow

Nia Ellarious x f!human!MC (Iris of Riverbend)

Valax x f!human!MC (Iris of Riverbend)

Mal Volari x Tyril Starfury

Mal Volari x Tyril Starfury x m!elf!MC (Hades Nightbloom)

Bloodbound

Adrian Raines x Gaius Augustine

Dirty Little Secrets

m!Carpenter (Emmett King) x m!MC (Brooklyn Peters)

High School Story

Wes Porter x Ezra Mitchell

Payton Saunders x f!MC (Lola Williams)

Michael Harrison x nb!MC (Jamie Baxter)

Mia Warren x Katherine

Ajay Bhandari x m!MC (Matty Wright)

Hollywood U

Thomas Hunt x f/nb!MC (Jackie Winters)

Hot Couture

Marco Di Vincenzo x f!MC (Analise Moore)

Immortal Desires

m!Cas x m!Gabe x nb!MC (Reese O'Malley)

Lewyn Junius x m!OC (Jude Junius)

It Lives Anthology

Noah Marshall x m!MC (Harry Spear)

Noah Marshall x Connor Green

Connor Green x m!MC (Jesse Harrison)

Ava Cunningham x f!MC (Raven Adams)

Stacy Green x f!MC (Ivy Lovelace)

Imogen Wescott x f!MC (Fiona Vance)

Tom Sato x m!MC (River Vance)

Danni Asturias x f!MC (Merliah Vance)

Abel Flint x nb!MC (Ollie Bridgers)

Lincoln Aquino x nb!MC (Keagan Burke)

Amalia de León x nb!MC (Lottie Hamilton)

Jocelyn Wu x f!MC (Eleanor Wilkins) (slowburn)

Matthias McQuoid x m!OC (Ezra Wilkins)

Laws of Attraction

Gabe Ricci x Aislinn Tanaka x nb!MC (Sav Zarza)

Open Heart

Ethan Ramsey x m!MC (Sydney Valentine)

Ethan Ramsey x Tobias Carrick

Aurora Emery x Sienna Trinh

Queen B

Zoey Wade x f!MC (Quinn Hughes)

Ian Kingsley x f!MC (Quinn Hughes)

Untameable Anthology

m!Kit Jackson x m!MC (Jules Rojas)

Mandy Martinez x Ryder Wilson x m!MC (Barrett Kemp)

Gravity Falls

Stan Pines x Reader

Stan Pines x nb!OC (JD Willows)

Ford Pines x Fiddleford McGucket

Grey's Anatomy/Station 19

Mark Sloan x Jackson Avery x Lexi Grey

Mark Sloan x Jackson Avery

Meredith Grey x Derek Shepherd

Meredith Grey x Andy Herrera

Victoria Hughes x Lucas Ripley

Izzie Stevens x Denny Duquette

Ben Warren x Miranda Bailey

Cristina Yang x Teddy Altman

Maya Bishop x Carina DeLuca

[julychallenge]

Masterlist For the July Challenge

Art

Artist: @lilyoffandoms | Kieran x Elam by @oh-so-youre-a-nerd

Artist: Ainna | Setting Sail for Tomorrow (and whatever comes next) | Calli x Flynn by @storyofmychoices

Artist: @lilyoffandoms | Zig x Mikaylyn for @choiceswithmika

Artist: @callmebeem Neon Glow | Bryce x Olivia by @storyofmychoices

Artist: @lilyoffandoms | Grant Emerson

Artist: @oh-so-youre-a-nerd | Warmth & Security - Martin Vanderweil x Wind Velez

Artist: @lilyoffandoms | Naomi Silverhawk

Artist: @oh-so-youre-a-nerd | Charming/Independent - Enid Mendoza x Joaquin Morales

Artist: @lilyoffandoms | Kate O’Malley

Artist: @whispersleo | Bryce & Olivia enjoy a quiet moment at an afternoon picnic | Bryce Lahela (M!MC) x Olivia Hadley (F!OC)

Artist: Ainna Places in Paradise | Thomas Hunt (M!MC) x Alex Spencer (F!OC)

Artist: @lilyoffandoms | King Arthur

Artist: @lilyoffandoms | Lancelot

Artist: Ainna | Happy Birthday, Baby! | Tobias Carrick (M!MC) x F!MC (Casey Carrick)

Artist: @storyofmychoices | Kate O'Malley for @rosesnink

Artist: @lilyoffandoms | Luna Auclair for @peonierose

Fics

Friendship & Fashion by @jerzwriter| Tobias (M!MC) & Merida (F!MC)

Special Delivery by @jerzwriter| Tobias Carrick (M!MC) x Casey Carrick (F!MC)

Movie? What Movie? by @jerzwriter| Tobias Carick (M!MC) x Casey MacTavish (F!MC)

Summer Haze - @jerzwriter| Tobias Carrick x F!OC

A Place to Stay - by @jerzwriter | Troy Hasan & Eli Sipes

Elmo's Special Visit by @storyofmychoices | Olivia Hadley (F!OC), Tobias Carrick

Beautiful Day by @liaromancewriter | Kyra Santana & F!MC (Cassie Valentine)

Chancing it by @jerzwriter | Tobias Carrick (M!MC) x Casey MacTavish (F!MC)

First Impressions by @jerzwriter | Tobias Carrick (M!MC) x Casey MacTavish (F!MC)

A Late Night Picnic by @storyofmychoices | Mal Volari (M!MC) x Daenarya (F!OC)

Mine by @liaromancewriter | Ethan Ramsey (M!MC) x F!MC (Cassie Valentine)

Mono~poly Chapter 3: Propositions by @jerzwriter | Tobias Carrick (M!MC) x Casey MacTavish (F!MC)

Summertime by @jerzwriter | Trystan Thorne (M!MC) x Carolina Rose (F!MC)

Fair Game by @jerzwriter | Ethan Ramsey (M!MC) x Kaycee MacClennan (F!MC)

Seeking Shelter by @jerzwriter | Eli Sipes (M!MC) x Zoe Rivera (F!MC)

Of Cloudless Climes and Starry Skies (4/?) | Sebastyan Thorne x Emma Rose (F!MC)

Happy Birthday, Baby! | Tobias Carrick (M!MC) x F!MC (Casey Carrick)

A Simple Wish by @jerzwriter | Ethan Ramsey (M!MC) x Kaycee MacClennan (F!MC)

His Barbie, Her Ken by @ladylamrian | F!MC × White! NikRyder

Hot Tea by @liaromancewriter | Ethan Ramsey (M!MC) x F!MC (Cassie Valentine); feat. Max Valentine

To be a Nighthunter by @ladylamrian | F!MC × NikRyder

Romantic, much? by @liaromancewriter | Sienna Trinh (F!MC) x M!OC (Max Valentine)

Sweet Morning by @ladylamrian | (F!MC × Tobias)

Jun: The Bodyguard by @storyofmychoices | Jun Seong

Paper Hearts by @jerzwriter | Ethan Ramsey (M!MC) x Kaycee MacClennan (F!MC)

Shades of Grey by @liaromancewriter | Ethan Ramsey (M!MC) x F!MC (Cassie Valentine)

@choicesmonthlychallenge It was my pleasure and honor to host this months challenge, despite the loss I had I still had fun hosting this challenge.

Thank you to everyone who’s participated I hope you enjoyed the July challenge and its prompts. I hope it brought you some joy and some fun.

But the fun is not over. You can head over to choicesaugustchallenge and check out what cool and fun prompts they have 🩷

All the best

- PR 🩷🌸

[february2024choiceschallenge]

Masterlist 2: O - W Open Heart - Wake the Dead Open Heart

Anti-Valentine - TEXT FIC - Open Heart F!MC, M!OC - @liaromancewriter Anti Val-Day/Love Stinks!

Any Other Day - FIC/ART - Open Heart F!MC x F!OC - Fic: @jerzwriter art @callmebeem Eros/Philia

Bacon & Bribery - FIC - Ethan Ramsey, Tobias Carrick - @jerzwriter Philia/Philautia

Beach Cleanup Date - TEXT FIC - Open Heart Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter

A Dinomite Find - TEXT FIC - Bryce Lahela x F!OC - @storyofmychoices

Falling in Love - FIC - Ethan Ramsey x f!mc - @liaromancewriter Eros

Galentine's Day - TEXT FIC - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter Philia

Green-Eyed Girl - TEXT FIC - Open Heart F!MC, M!OC - @liaromancewriter Storge

Happy 40th Tobias! - Part 1 - INSTA EDITS - Ethan Ramsey, Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter Philia/Storge/Eros/Ludus

Happy 40th Tobias! - Part 2 - INSTA EDITS - Tobias Carrick x F!MC, OH Gang - @jerzwriter Eros/Philia/Ludus/Storge/Pragma

Just Pretend - TEXT FIC - Sienna Trinh x M!OC - @liaromancewriter Ludus

Love in the Afternoon - ART/FIC - Tobias Carrick x F!MC - art: @liiyaan fic: @storyofmychoices Eros/Philia/Pragma

No Barriers - FIC - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter Eros

Not So Fast - FIC - Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter Eros/Phila/Storge/Pragma

Positive Reaction - FIC - F!MC x F!OC - @jerzwriter Eros

A Romcom Ending - FIC - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @jerzwriter Eros

Sweet Stuff - FIC - MC, F!MC, F!OC - @jerzwriter Philia

Tobias x Casey Carrick Fanart - ART - Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @lilyoffandoms Eros

Valentine's Hearts - FIC - Bryce Lahela x F!MC - @storyofmychoices Eros

when you really love something, then it loves you back, in whatever way it has to love - FIC - Bryce Lahela x M!MC - @mydemonsdrivealimo Eros/Philia/Storge/Pragma/Philautia

Without Warning (Series) - FIC - Tobias Carrick x f!mc First Shot: Jackie & Bryce Philia/Ludus Part Two: Ethan Ramsey Philia

Red Carpet Diaries

Thomas Hunt x F!OC Fanart by @liiyaan (C: @storyofmychoices) Eros

Wake the Dead

Eli x Zoe x Troy Fanart - ART- @bayleedraws-sometimesx (C: @jerzwriter) Eros/Philia/Pragma

The Morning... - FIC - Eli Sipes x f!mc - @jerzwriter Philia/Ludus

Three of Hearts - FIC - Eli Sipes x F!MC x Troy Hassan - @jerzwriter Eros/Philia/Storge/Pragma

Masterlist - Part 1

[jerzwriter]

All in the Past - Mini-Series Masterlist

This started as a request from @angelasscribbles for ONE scene. Three parts later... 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.

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 One

Tobias and Meghan leave Boston to attend Casey's wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina. It's a little getaway, a happy trip to see his two friends get hitched. But prewedding events lead to unexpected and uninvited emotions coming to the surface. Tobias gets a cold shoulder from Sienna, and their frank conversation leaves more questions than answers.

Part Two

Tobias's girlfriend, Meghan, has some questions for him, and he answers honestly - or so he thinks. Sienna attempts to get displeased Casey to see the truth. Tobias finally runs into Craig, the groom-to-be, and then it all falls apart.

Part Three

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?

Thank you for reading! If you'd like to read more about Tobias & Casey, here is their masterlist!

[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

[openheartfanfics]

Newly Added Fics

Oct 12 - 18, 2024  

🎭 Angst  |  🦚 Angsty Fluff  |  🛸 AU  |  ☁ Fluff  |  ♥ NSFW  |  📚 Series  |  📷 Edit  |  📱 TextFic  |  Ⓜ Mature

Ethan x F!MC

Good Driver - @cariantha ♥ “Before you marry someone, go sit in traffic with them for at least 2 hours.” How would Ethan and Sawyer do? [Public]

I Don’t About You, But I’m Feeling 32 - @genevievemd 📷 Gen celebrates a birthday and becoming a new mom.

Rafael x F!MC

Our Miracle Baby - @rafasgirl23415 📚 [extended: wip] TW: Discussion of and scenes of miscarriage in flashback scenes of domestic violence.

Part 15

Part 16

Sienna x M!OC

Motivation - @liaromancewriter 📱 Sienna has motivational words for Max.

Tobias x F!MC

A Change of Plans - @jerzwriter ☁ Casey's cousin, Peter, is insistent she meet his friend, Ian. Casey would rather be on her couch after a long day at work, but a twist of fate has her glad she went after all.

_

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

[choicesmonthlychallenge]

Picktober: Week Five

[October Prompts] || [October Masterlists]

Thank you to everyone who participated. If I missed any submissions, please let me know. Don't forget to check out @choicesmonthlychallengenov2024 🧡

⟢Crimes of Passion:⟢

Trystan Thorne 🎨 by @lilyoffandoms

⟢Blades of Light & Shadow:⟢

Bitten by Love (Vampire AU)🖊️ [Mal x OC] by @storyofmychoices

Vampire AU Art 🎨 [Mal x OC] submitted by @storyofmychoices; art by @cashweasel

⟢High School Story:⟢

Warmth 🖊️ [Payton x MC] by @peonyblossom

⟢Immortal Desires:⟢

Ripley Reese 🎨 [MC] by @storyofmychoices

⟢Open Heart:⟢

A Little Obsessed 🖊️ [Tobias x F!MC] by @jerzwriter

Counter Proposal 📱 [Sienna x M!OC] by @liaromancewriter

Operations with Dr.s Lahela 🎨 [Bryce x MC] submitted by @storyofmychoices; art by @robboyu

Peter, Peter... 🖊️ 🎨 [Tobias x F!MC] story by @jerzwriter ; art by @callmebeem

The Proposition 🖊️ [Ethan, Tobias (platonic)] by @jerzwriter

Trick or Treat 🖊️ [Ethan x F!MC] by @liaromancewriter

⟢Red Carpet Diaries/Hollywood U:⟢

I Dream of Alex [And Thomas] 🎨 [Hunt x MC] submitted by @theartoflovingthomashunt ; art by @callmebeem

I Dream of Alex [And Thomas] II 🎨 [Hunt x MC] submitted by @theartoflovingthomashunt; art by @robboyu

⟢The Royal Romance:⟢

Barbie Drake 🎨 by @lilyoffandoms

[igotanidea]

Outside the box: Spencer Reid x reader

A/N: OC in this story is Gideon’s daughter, Sienna, aged 28, part-time college lecturer, full time helping the BAU team, cause yes, she’s about to be the profiler like her father. Reader is a college student, aspiring to join BAU, friends with Sienna, but not her student (cause befriending your teacher would be unethical, right :D), she’s somewhere around 21. Spencer is 24, just like in season 1.

Reader and OC are obviously two different people.

Also, my first Criminal Minds fic, and I;m still on season 1 so please don't eat me alive cause I can sense heavy OOC.

Summary: someone had a stressful week, filled with task and cases and one failed exam which became the last straw in the mental breakdown. So what can be better than searching help from a friend?

@somest1 I really hope this will make you feel at least slightly better.

***

“Look who decided to show up! Did your students finally killed your enthusiasm for teaching them something?”

“Haha. Extremely funny, Morgan” Sienna scoffed and threw her backpack onto the nearest chair, stretching her back “Maybe I should ask you if my father finally killed your self-confidence, but from what I can see it’s clearly impossible.”

“I’m sorry, dr Gideon” Derek stood up and came closer to her, grabbing her waist and pulling her into his chest, making her squeak in the effect “I missed you, babe.” He added, breathing in her characteristic fresh smell.

“Stop it.” She punched his chest playfully “I had enough trouble convincing everyone I’m good and I got here only because of my knowledge and skills and not because of my father. I don’t need you trying to make my efforts futile.”

“Oh, come on. Us being together is not a secret.” He caressed her back and she shivered involuntarily.

“Sienna.” Jason’s Gideon voice came from behind and Morgan had no choice but to let her go. Normally he had no problem with PDA, but not exactly right in front of his girl’s father’s eye.

“Hello dad. Professor Brown send his regards. He’s missing you dearly.”

“I’m sure he is.” Jason muttered.  Brown was the first one to show his happiness when Gideon was called back on field.

“How’s the case going?”

“It would be going faster if you were helping…..”

“That is precisely why I am here” she grinned sending a wink towards Morgan, who just sighed deeply “Where is Mr IQ?”

“In the conference room with Elle. They are trying to put some pieces together.”

“I’m on my way to help. See you later, hon” not caring about her father gaze she raised on her tiptoes and kissed Morgan on the cheek before rushing to join Spencer and Elle.

“Don’t you got job to do as well, agent Morgan?” Jason smirked at the other man who just turned around and went to search for Patch. It was pretty funny how this macho man was turning into shy kitten whenever Gideon caught him with his daughter.

***

When Sienna got to the room the only person she found was Spencer, no Elle in sight.

“Hello, Spencer.”

“Hello Sienna. Your father mentioned you might be joining us.”

“My pleasure, so what are we working on here?”

Reid started to explain the case to her but before they got to the good part sudden commotion got their attention.

“Sienna!”

“Oh, shit, what the hell happened this time?” she muttered standing up, trying to look above the heads what or who might be the source of the furore. “WHAT?” she yelled at the top of her lungs making Reid cringe

“You are so different from your father, you know…. “ he muttered

“Yes, obviously, it’s my natural charm.”

“You got a guest, Sienna.” Patch showed himself up, crouching figure mincing behind him

“A guest? Here? Who would…..?”

“Sienna……” said figure sobbed

“Oh my god, Y/N? What happened? Why are you here?”

“I …. I had nowhere else to go….. I;m sorry. I know it’s your work and I should not interrupt, but …..”

“Oh, don’t be ridiculous.” Sienna put an arm around her friends arms and led her to the nearest chair making the girl sit down out of the prying eyes of Reid and Hotch. “Go away” she mouthed at the later. “How did you get in here? I gotta admit I’m impressed, you know. Normally the security would just go through the whole procedure to let you in.

“I told them I came to see you….” Y/N sobbed “And seeing me like this….”

“Yeah, I get it. It was easy to believe you were a victim of some crime.”

“Mhm…..”

“Ok, so, stop crying and tell me what’s wrong.” Sienna put a hand on Y/N’s arm. Come on, whatever it is, I;m sure we can handle.”

“It’s professor Boston. He…. He….. I failed his test. And this whole week has just been a mess and I can’t handle all the stress….”

“Wait till you get to work…..” Sienna muttered

“Maybe you can talk to him? Convince him to cut me some slack?”

“Boston? Even my dad could not persuade that old prick to do a thing. I’m sorry, Y/N. But you know what, I got an idea” she almost jumped from her chair due to the excitement. “Just…. just wait here, ok? I’ll be right back.”

“It’s not like I have another choice, do I?” Y/N shrugged knowing her friend too well. Once Sienna set her mind into something there was no way of things going differently.

***

“Spencer. Spencer, Spencer, Spencer”

“Are you catatonic now?” Reid raised eyes onto Sienna who was now right in front of him, smiling as wide as ever.

“Not that I would know that, but no. I got a favor to ask.”

“A favor?”

“Mhm. You remember my friend, Y/n there? You have meet......”

“At the university. I know you have very little faith in me, but I remember people I work with.”

“Do you now?” Sienna raised an eyebrow, testing his patience. Around a month earlier, she forced convinced Reid to give a lecture to the students. Y/N was one of the most interested in the subject and when it ended she shyly approached him to ask some further questions. They spend like two hours talking and exchanging opinions. Also, later on, Y/N and a few more students joined some extracurricular classes that Reid also joined (meaning of course that Sienna made him join knowing it would be good for his people skills).

“She gave me some food for thoughts. She's a smart one."

“Really? What a great coincidence then. Cause I’m gonna need you to help her.”

“What? Why? With what?”

“She failed a test.”

“So? If she was studying more…..”

“Don’t be prick!” Sienna swat his head lightly “Didn’t you ever fail….. Oh, sorry, of course you did not. You got IQ of 175….”

“187.” He corrected with flat face

“you never done a thing wrong in your life.” She continued, unimpressed “You’re a genius, blah, blah, blah.”

“Now you’re just being mean.”

“Really? You don’t say." she mocked "I’m serious Reid. She could really use your help with studying.”

“I don’t think I have enough time …..”

“I can’t believe I’m doing this, damn my honor. Please, Spencer. If you refuse to help how about some comforting words at least, hm? You know, she admires you. All those things I just mocked? She believes you to be an amazing, interesting person. An all-rounder with extensive knowledge and even if I hate it I have to admit that you truly are. You’re like some role model for her…..”

“I am?” he raised an eyebrow, quite suprised.

“Sure. And I saw that look on your face when she approached you after class. You like her.”

“I don’t….. want…..”

“Go talk to her. Just that. Maybe something good will come from this or maybe not, but you got a chance to do something good to another living being. How does that sound?”

“Um…..”

“Come on, Spencer. Take a leap of faith….”

“But she’s a student….”

“She’s three years younger than you.  I know relationships with bigger age difference and they work well….” She looked across the room and her gaze focused on Morgan who was covered in some paperwork  “he’s so handsome when he’s working…..” she muttered like a love sick puppy “just glowing…..”

“Ok, fine, I’ll go! Just please stop…. Whatever this is you’re doing. “

“Thank you, Reid.” She grinned turning back to her normal self. Oh, she was a sneaky one.

***

“Y/N?”

“Yes? Doctor Reid?” the girl looked up at him, surely not expecting that this was the “idea” of Sienna. “I…. I ……”

“dr Gideon mentioned to me what happened. May I?” he asked pointing at the spot next to Y/N who eagerly nodded.

“Did she?” I’m going to kill her.

“Mhm. You know, it’s …. normal for people to mess up sometimes.”

“Speaking from experience?” she chuckled and he followed “Maybe I am just stupid…..”

“You’re not stupid.” He panted without any hesitation. ”This is just an inconvenience. Like in the investigation. We are begin misled dozens of times. We are being played with, questioned, fooled at times, forced to change the approach, the strategy. But all those little obstacles are what steer us in the right direction. Mistakes happen, sometimes regardless of us. And you are not stupid. You would never make it this far if you were.“

“How can you tell? You don’t know me.”

“I know enough from your classes and Sienna’s stories."

“She’s been talking about me?”

“sometimes. Quite impressive things. And I know first-handed she’s not the one to get easily impressed. Did you know she laughed at my IQ?” he blurted without thinking. Why was this girl affecting him like this?

“Sounds like her. “ Y/n laughed “But that doesn’t make me feel any better.”

“ For now. “

“How so?”

“Moliere once said the greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it. And you seem like a strong person. You…..you would be a good addition to the team. You have analytical brain and good instincts.”

“Again, how can you tell?”

“You asked me good questions back at those lectures. And I saw you working on the cases Sienna assigned to you as extra tasks. You are resilient, not giving up easily. And I'm sure you are not going to give up now."

"Now I can tell you are working with the profilers." she smiled sadly “but I don’t think that me putting in effort and being stubborn is enough. This class is ..... " she sighed, a few unmentionable words on the tip of her tounge "If I fail......"

"And what if you pass? Why not focus on the good outcome?"

"Oh, you;re a scientist. Don't bullshit me with wishful thinking."

"It's scientifically proven that good thoughts stimulate production of serotonin. And that helps you relax and focus better on the task."

"Hm." she muttered "I;d rather just have a piece of chocolate. I can't mess it up again."

“You won’t” he blurted out

“How…..?”

“I’ll help you. “

“You what now?” she spat angrily but quickly realised her wrongdoing “I'm sorry….” Her eyes widened in fear when she realized she was talking to the guy who was so much smarter and more esteemed than her “sorry, dr Reid, I did not mean to ….”

“You can call me Spencer. It’s … nice to be treated like a normal person, for once.”

“So…..” she looked at the floor “you’ll help me?”

“Yes. And then you’ll see that if anything you are rather too smart for this. Someone once told me to think outside the box….”

“Thank you!” she smiled through tears and without thinking hugged surprised boy who held his breath for a second. Just for a second and then relaxed.

“You’re welcome.” he patted her back awkwardly. This was suprisingly comforting. Maybe he could get used to that.

[choicespride]

Choices Pride 2024 Week 4 Masterlist

Bloodbound

Kink Sketch - MC (Magdalene Constantino) x Gaius Augustine - @gaiuskamilah

Crimes of Passion

SpreadJoy #895 - Astrid Thorne - @storyofmychoices

The Deadliest Game

SpreadJoy #899 - Dante Valdez - @storyofmychoices

High School Story/HSS: Class Act

Bad Boy Michael CG - Michael Harrison - @peonyblossom

Mila and Skye Picrew - OC (Mila Delgado); Skye Crandall - @lover-also-fighter-also

SpreadJoy #898 - Caleb Mitchell - @storyofmychoices

Hollywood U

Diva!Jackie - f!MC (Jackie Winters) - @peonyblossom

Jackie Hiking CG - f!MC (Jackie Winters) - @peonyblossom

Yes, Professor 🥵 - Thomas Hunt - @peonyblossom

Hot Couture

SpreadJoy #897 - Hazel Nguyen - @storyofmychoices

It Lives Anthology

andy binding + top surgery sketches - Andy Kang - @gaiuskamilah

Pride Edits - m!MC (Vax Vũ-Verdant, ILW) - @kilvalir

Laws of Attraction

Double A - f!MC (Arinya Manithikhun) x Aislinn Tanaka - @gaiuskamilah

Nightbound

SpreadJoy #894 - Garrus - @storyofmychoices

Open Heart

Canon Doodles - m!MC (Jensen Valentine) x Bryce Lahela; Sienna Trinh; Jackie Varma; Elijah Green - @mydemonsdrivealimo

Chef!Ethan - Ethan Ramsey - @peonyblossom

SpreadJoy #896 - Rafael Aveiro - @storyofmychoices

SpreadJoy #900 - Bryce Lahela - @storyofmychoices

Sunkissed

Summer Nights 🌅 - f!MC (Callie Summer) x Eliana Flores - @peonyblossom

Crossovers

Lovely Ladies Picrews - Daenarya (f!human!MC, Blades of Light and Shadow); Alex Hunt (f!MC, Hollywood U); Nyx Selenstra (nb!OC, Blades of Light and Shadow); Calli Rossi (f!MC, Veil of Secrets) - @storyofmychoices

Sydney & Callie + Flags - Open Heart; Sunkissed - m!MC (Sydney Valentine, OH); f!MC (Callie Summers, Sunkissed) - @peonyblossom

[choicesseptemberchallenge2023]

Choices September Challenge Masterlist

• OPEN HEART :

What Could Have Been (9/9) by @liaromancewriter [Day 7] (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

Public & Private by @liaromancewriter [Day 14] (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC; Sienna Trinh x M!OC)

Sadie's Self-Care Sunday#40 by @peonyblossom [Day 6] (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

Predictable by @jerzwriter [Day 9] (Ethan Ramsey x F!OC; Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Her Secret Weapon by @jerzwriter [Day 18] (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Shopisticated by @liaromancewriter [Day 14] (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

A Special One by @zealouscanonindeer [Day 3] (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

By Chance: The Morning After by @jerzwriter [Day 7] (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Movie Night by @jerzwriter [Day 22] (Tobias Carrick x F!MC; Bryce Lahela x M!MC)

Love Bites by @liaromancewriter [Day 21] (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

Fairytales by @liaromancewriter [Day 22] (Sienna Trinh x M!OC)

Summer's Kiss by @peonierose [Day 3] (Bryce Lahela x F!OC)

What Could Have Been? by @zealouscanonindeer [Day 19] (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

High Seas (2/2) by @jerzwriter [Day 2] (Ethan Ramsey, Tobias Carrick)

Not Meant To Be by @zealouscanonindeer [Day 20] (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

What's Cooking? by @jerzwriter [Day 16] (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

A Quick Study by @jerzwriter [Day 5] (F!MC x F!OC)

Bookcase Corner by @potionsprefect [Day 19] (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

Know It All by @jerzwriter [Day 25] (Bryce Lahela, F!MC)

Celebrate by @jerzwriter [Day 22] (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC; Tobias Carrick)

Recovery by @jerzwriter [Day 25] (Ethan Ramsey, Tobias Carrick)

The Great Outdoors by @jerzwriter [Day 2] (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Produce-ing A Laugh by @jerzwriter [Day 22] (Ethan Ramsey, Tobias Carrick)

Our Little Girl by @storyofmychoices [Day 21] (Bryce Lahela x F!MC)

It Was A Date by @liaromancewriter [Day 8] (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

Private Matters by @liaromancewriter [Day 14] (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

Taking Care Of Business by @liaromancewriter [Day 25] (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

• BLADES OF LIGHT AND SHADOW :

Shadows of Hope by @storyofmychoices [Day 1] (Mal Volari x F!MC)

Go On, Feel It by @storyofmychoices [Day 1, Day 21] (Mal Volari x F!MC)

Her Legacy by @storyofmychoices [Day 1, Day 4, Day 7] (Mal Volari x F!MC)

The Quest For Daenarya by @storyofmychoices [Day 21, Day 30] (Mal Volari x F!MC)

Love Is Love Is Love by @storyofmychoices [Day 21] (Mal Volari x F!MC)

• THE ROYAL ROMANCE :

Smoke And Mirrors by @tessa-liam [Day 6] (Liam Rys x F!MC)

Turning The Page by @tessa-liam [Day 30] (Liam Rys x F!MC)

(Less Than) Noble Intentions: Chapter 15 by @karahalloway [Day 25] (Drake Walker x F!OC)

Marabelle by @tessa-liam [Day 4] (Liam Rys x F!OC)

• PERFECT MATCH :

Saffron Sugar, Turmeric Spice by @lizzybeth1986 [Day 14] (F!Hayden x Poly M!MC, F!Hayden x F!OC)

Harvest Moon by @lizzybeth1986 [Day 4] (M!MC x F!Hayden, Basil Park x Sloanne Washington, Kim Washington)

• CRIMES OF PASSION :

A Moment In Time by @jerzwriter [Day 4] (M!Trystan Thorne x F!MC)

[choicesflashfics]

Week 57 Prompts:

“You’re the reason why ‘forever’ doesn’t scare me.”

“You don’t have to be so strong all the time. I can be strong for the both of us if you’d just let me.”

“Are you sure about this?”

Birthday - @petiteboheme (The Royal Romance; Drake x F!MC)

Trick or … Treat? - @kristinamae093 (The Royal Romance; Liam x F!OC)

Night at the Ballet - @liaromancewriter (Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

This Little Bunny - @liaromancewriter (Open Heart; Sienna Trinh x M!OC)

[jerzwriter]

This series tells the story of how Tobias and Casey's second child, Brooke Vivian Carrick, came to be. In this third part, the first trimester is behind them, and the happy couple spreads the news—first to their two-year-old daughter, Samantha, and then to their friends.

Book: Open Heart (Post Series) Pairing: Tobias x Casey Carrick (F!MC) Characters: Samantha Carrick (F!OC), Ethan Ramsey, Jackie Varma, Sienna Trinh, Aurora Emery, Bryce Lahella, Jordan Carrick (M!OC) Rating: Teen Words: Part 1: 685 / Part 2: 1,009 Summary: See above. A/N: I have artwork for this series, and I hoped to have it posted by yesterday (August 30th is Brooke Vivian Carrick's birthday in my little world). But my real life world interfered, so it's coming, but a little later. lol Participating in @choicesaugustchallenge Day 7 (Sunshine) and Day 11 Barbeque.

Series Masterlist Tobias x Casey Masterlist Full Masterlist

“We’ve got to tell her,” Casey insisted. Her second pregnancy was not at all like her first. The first time, she couldn't wait for her 'bump' to show, and it seemed to take forever. This time, she swore it appeared just after the two little lines formed on the pregnancy test. Her two-year-old daughter, Samantha, had already announced, “Mommy is big now,” to everyone they knew.

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right,” Tobias agreed. “I think my Mom has been trying to hold back her excitement a little since Sammy doesn’t know yet."

Casey’s eyes went wide. “Wait a second. You think that your Mom... your over the top Mom... your I’m sending an interior decorator over to design the new nursery, even though you just ended your first trimester, and the party planner wants to talk to you about the baby’s first birthday party Mom... has been holding back?  If that’s the case, we may want to reconsider telling Sammy... ever."

“Come on,” Tobias smiled. “You know she’s only going to get worse regardless. Let’s let Sammy in on the news. Then we have six months to help her prepare for her little sister coming home.”

“Sister or brother,” Casey reminded.

But Tobias just shrugged. “Yeah, whatever." He had no doubt they were having another little girl.

It was a quiet afternoon at home, sunshine pouring in their living room window when they decided to share the news with Samantha. All of Sammy’s favorite stuffed toys were arranged on the living room floor, and the toddler’s curls bounced as she played and danced with them. Her contagious giggle echoed throughout the house when Daddy made her teddy bear break dance.

Casey’s heart warmed at the sight of them. Their lives had changed drastically over the past few years, but they wouldn’t have had it any other way. She looked at Tobias, and he nodded. It was time.

"Sammy," she said gently. "Mommy and Daddy have something exciting to tell you."

Sammy looked up with wide eyes, her little hands clutching her teddy bear. "What, Mommy?"

Tobias reached out and took the little one’s hand. "You're going to be a big sister, sweetheart.”

“Yep,” Casey smiled, cuddling close to Tobias. “Mommy’s growing a new baby in her belly.”

Sammy blinked, her expression pensive as she took in the news. She looked between her parents, then pointed to Casey’s belly. “In there?” she asked.

“Yep. That’s why Mommy's getting bigger,” Casey smiled. “It’s the baby growing in me.”

“Oh,” Sammy said, turning back to her teddy bear. "That's nice.”

Tobias and Casey shot each other an amused look. Sammy was more excited than this when they told her they were ordering pizza.  

“Sammy,” Casey chuckled softly. "Do you know what this means, sweetie?"

Sammy looked up again, her big brown eyes curious. "More toys?"

Tobias laughed, pulling her into his lap. "It means you'll have a little sister to play with all the time."

Casey playfully elbowed Tobias. “A brother or a sister!” She corrected. “We don’t know yet.”

Casey held back a laugh as Tobias once again muttered, “Whatever,” under his breath.

"Does Pietro know?" Sammy asked.

Tobias pulled the precocious child onto his lap and smiled. "We'll tell him as soon as he's done with his nap," he said.

"Okay. We play now, Daddy?”

Casey leaned in to kiss Tobias on the cheek, both amused with their daughter’s nonchalant reaction.

"Of course we can, sweetheart," Tobias replied. “And what do you think about ordering pizza to celebrate?”

“PIZZA!” Sammy screeched, jumping to her feet. Her little body began dancing to music no one else could hear. “Yes! Yes! Pizza! Daddy, we order pizza now!"

“Right now," Casey laughed, pulling out her phone to order. As she waited for them to answer, she turned to Tobias with a smile. "Well, now we know what to do when we bring the baby home."

“What's that? Order pizza,” he smiled.

“Nope, dress her up as a slice of pepperoni.” Casey grinned.

Tobias's eyes crinkled as his grin widened; all the joy he was feeling sparkled in his eyes. “You said her,” he whispered with a satisfied grin.

Casey placed a hand on her little bump, “Well, see," she chuckled. "But for now, let’s order the pizza!”

Telling their friends:

The following Saturday found Tobias in his happy place, telling stories and holding court as he worked the grill in their cozy Boston backyard. Tobias and Casey’s barbeques had become a staple in their friends’ lives, but they hadn’t hosted many in the past couple of months, making this one feel even more special.  

Casey sat at the table with her friends, Jackie, Sienna, and Aurora, pouring each of them a glass of delicious virgin Sangria, but Jackie appeared to take offense.

“Virgin? In this house?” she teased.

Tobias glanced at Casey over his shoulder with a grin. “I told you," he winked at his wife. "Jackie! There's wine in the cellar; feel free to spice it up."

With a playful huff, Jackie fetched a bottle of Pinot Noir and liberally topped off everyone’s glasses. When she reached Casey, however, Casey placed a hand over her glass.

“I’m good,” Casey smiled as her friends exchanged curious glances.

Tobias turned the last steak over, pleased with how perfectly they were coming along. He loved having the grill to himself today. The mere mention of Ethan's goddaughter, Sammy, bonding more with her uncles Jordan and Bryce had Ethan scurrying over to join the trio on a blanket on the lawn. It was a rare victory for Tobias in their ongoing rivalry over who was the true king of the grill.

After the food had been served and everyone’s bellies were full. Bryce mentioned something about dessert, which was met with groans and a napkin tossed his way.

“I think we should let the food settle before we move on to that,” Casey smiled. “I need to make some room to properly enjoy Sienna’s brownies.”

Tobias caught Casey’s eye, and they shared a conspiratorial smile. Taking her hand, he cleared his throat to capture their friend's attention. “Casey and I actually have a way to pass the time. We have an announcement to make."

“I’m pregnant,” Casey beamed. “We’re having another baby.”

Jackie smirked, recalling a conversation from a few months back. “Well, it didn’t take you long, did it, Carrick?”

Tobias turned to her with a grin. “Was there ever any doubt?”

As the guys shook Tobias’s hand and bro-hugs were had, Casey could barely peel Sienna off of her while Aurora rolled her eyes and shooed Sienna away to give everyone a turn.

“So, baby number two,” Aurora giggled. “Looks like you’re well on your way.”

“On my way?” Casey asked, laughing. “On my way to what?”

“Oh, don’t pretend you don’t remember,” Aurora said with a grin. “That day when we first met Tobias at the deli. You don’t remember what you said on the walk home?”

Casey blushed, hiding her face as Tobias jumped in. “Oh, she remembers.”

“Do we really have to revisit that?” Casey pleaded.

“Sure do!” Aurora grinned, turning to face the others. “If you think trying to save a man from dying was enough to keep these two from falling into lust at first sight, you’d be wrong! They were all but salivating over each other. It was just so... them! Then, on the walk home, Casey's going on and on about how hot he was and how she was going to have his first six children - or something like that."

“Casey!” Sienna chuckled.

“What?” Casey blushed. “He’s hot. But to make things worse, I said that just as Mr. Big Ego over here rolled up in his Jaguar. I prayed he didn’t hear, but on one of our first dates, I told him I always wondered if he had…”

“And I was all too happy to let her know I did,” Tobias finished, chuckling. “I just wasn’t sure who the lucky bastard was. I'm sure I don't need to tell you that I was more than pleased to know it was me.”

Ethan groaned, dragging a hand over his face as everyone laughed. “A classic Carrick beginning.”

“So, apparently, Casey was prophetic,” Jordan laughed.

“Not quite,” she corrected. “Because, as Aurora said on that day, there’s no way I’m having anyone’s six kids. Two will be just fine."

“Honey,” Tobias whined playfully. “Come on, you know I always said we should make our own softball team.”

“Keep dreaming, babe.”

“Yeah,” Jordan winked. “Practice makes perfect, big bro, but maybe stick to the practice part.”

“Please, I think he knows that," Jackie teased. "If not, the world would have already been overrun with little Carrick spawns before Casey even came along."

“Yeah, and then these two would be adding dozens more,” Sienna chuckled.

“Guys!” Ethan said, exasperated. “They just announced they’re having a baby. Do we really have to go there?”

“What’s wrong, Ramsey?” Bryce laughed. “Does the world-renowned doctor need a refresher on where babies come from?”

Ethan pulled a twenty-dollar bill out from his pocket and threw it on the table with a sigh.

Tobias raised an eyebrow. “What’s that for?”

“Baby Carrick #2’s therapy fund. I’ve already put a decent amount in Sammy’s account, but with you two as parents, this little one is going to need it, too.”

The yard was filled with the hum of friends laughing in agreement, reaching for their wallets and purses to add to the growing pile.

“You guys are too much,” Casey laughed. “Our little ones are very lucky to have us as parents – and all of you as their family, too.”

“You got that right,” Bryce said, giving Casey a congratulatory kiss on the cheek. “Everyone, raise your glasses! To Tobias and Casey - congratulations on your first planned pregnancy. We wish you all the best.”

“Bryce!” Casey laughed, giving him a playful shove.

As night fell and the fairy lights flickered on, casting a warm glow over their little urban oasis, the backyard buzzed with well wishes and joy. Sammy had dozed off in her playpen, with her protective cat Pietro by her side. For now, the little one had no idea what all the excitement was about, but for everyone else, it was the perfect end to a perfect day.

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[dayswritting]

“There she goes”

Chapter 2: The one with The Hard Deck

Bob Floyd x Teacher! OC

Summary: Maybe getting out of the house wasn’t such a bad idea after all. Especially if it end up with the opportunity of meeting that cute stranger again.

Pairing: 

Word count: 4,4k

Warning: Bad spelling (English is not my first language), fluff, sloooooow buuuuuurn, Bob being gentleman, Bradley being the fairy godmother

Masterlist

Sunday, a day after Bradley got home, after going to church and having a nice day together. The family was found gathered in the kitchen. Talking about a serious subject they needed to focus on. Getting Lucy out of the house for Sunday night.

“I’m not going,” Lucy said, getting a whine from her brother-in-law. Bradley had decided it would be a good idea if she went with him to Hard Deck. Lucy hated the idea. It was a Sunday night, and tomorrow she’ll have work and didn’t like looking tired. Another reason why she didn’t want to was easy because of Sienna. 

“Come on” Bradley begged her “You need to go out more. Abuela told me that you spend all your weekends in the house”

“Yeah, because I’m spending my time with my niece.” She replied, trying to defend herself. Bradley just laughed at her like what she just said was a joke.

“Don’t use my daughter as an excuse. I know for a fact that mamá has taken Sienna to her house on some weekends and you stay all by yourself at home” Lucy gasped about this confession. She couldn’t believe it, her own mother betrayed her. “And don’t get me started. Because Joel told me that you turn down his invitations when he is in town”

“I can’t believe it.” she hit him in the chest. “You turn my family against me!” she shouted at him. This was completely nonsense. She was a grown-ass woman, she could do anything she wanted. Even if that involves staying at her house for the weekend.

“Yeah, so don’t make me tell you what Sienna told me.” Lucy turned at her niece who was hiding behind the kitchen aisle. The child was trying so hard not to laugh. Nice, now Sienna was on Bradley’s side. “C’mon Lu, we’re worried about you.”

“That’s true, Tia” Sienne finally said “I mean, even I had plans for tonight” That caught Noa by surprise.

“You did?” she asked concerned that her own niece didn’t tell her “Why you didn’t say anything”

“You sound so excited about today's movie night and I didn’t want to hurt you,” Sienna said.

“Oh darling,” Noa got close to her niece and hugged her. “You can tell me if you want to do something else. You could never hurt me for something like that” Noa separated a little to look into her eyes “What are your plans, bee?”

“Lisa’s mom is making pizza for dinner so she invited me to eat with them and have a sleepover” Sienna answered excitedly.

“Well, if your dad is okay with it.” Noa turns to Bradley who just nods in answer “We can call Lucy’s mom and tell her you are going. But I hope you won't be sleeping late because tomorrow is a school day”

“ I promised we won't.” Sienna replies “Her mom said that we can sleep till 10, is it okay?” Lucy and Bradley only nodded in answer.

“You better pack your stuff, baby.” Bradley said, confirming with a smirk.

Sienna smiled so big and jumped to her father’s arm to give him a kiss on his cheek. She hugged her aunt while saying a million thank you. Bradley just laughs warmly at the actions of his daughter. He missed these moments the most when he was on call.

When Sienna left the room, Bradley didn’t lose time and looked at his sister-in-law with a mischievous smile.

“Well, now, since Sienna is going to her friend’s house. You can’t say no to going to the bar” Bradley announced pleased.

“I’m not sure, Brad.” Noa stared at the book in her hands “I’m pretty sure it would be more fun without me. Why don’t you go and enjoyed yourself”

“No way. I’m not leaving my little sis all by herself in this big old house” Bradley replied

“I’m fine being by myself.” Lucy showed Bradley her book “And I have some reading to catch on”

“‘Don’t care. You’re coming with me” Bradley took Lucy’s book and put it on the table to start pushing her to the stairs. “Now, go and get ready. Put the best of your wardrobe to catch the eye of a guy.” Lucy fake laughs at him

“Yeah, right. Good joke, Brads” She started to climb the stairs “I’ll call Marie’s mom and then get ready”” Lucy mocked Bradley.

Lucy looked at her wardrobe without knowing what to use. Sure, when she was in college, she knew how to dress up for going to a bar. But now it was different. She hasn’t gone out like that in ages. Especially now that she is a teacher, she didn’t like the idea of accidentally meeting some parents. Yes, definitely she was not going. So she simply sent a text to Bradley to avoid confrontation.

I have nothing to wear. I’m not going. Sorry.

When she sent the text she heard some noises coming from the room next door. Her door opened and the duo of father and daughter came through it. Quickly, Sienna sat on Lucy’s bed to watch the show while her dad went directly to her wardrobe. After a minute he came out with clothes in his hands.

“Wear this with some white sneakers, tie your hair up and you’re ready to go” Bradley said while handing her the clothes “I expect you downstairs in 10 minutes. We still have to drop Sienna at her friend’s house” He exited her room after saying that. Leaving a shocked Lucy and a smiley Sienna in the bedroom.

“You should use some light makeup.” Sienna said capturing the focus of her aunt “It will make you look gorgeous”

“How do you know so much about makeup?” Lucy asked amazed.

“Abuela Alma told me. Especially that, light makeup it's better because it brings out your inner beauty” her niece answered, trying to imitate her grandmother.

“Well, I’ll listen to you, my beauty guru. Now, get out of here so I can start getting ready” Lucy pushed her niece making her laugh.

Alone in her room, Lucy decided to listen to those two and get ready. No one would believe her but Bradley did have a good sense of style. Sadly it looked like it didn’t work when it came to his stupid Hawaiian shirts. 

What he chose for her was something comfortable and just like her. A white blouse and some blue mom jeans. And just like he said, with her flowered vans it looked perfect. Definitely, the best brother-in-law she could have.

With the essential stuff in her bag, she went downstairs. Finding a quite unique image before her eyes. Dad and daughter were wearing the same Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses. Lucy grabbed her phone and took a picture of them, gaining their attention.

“I don’t even want to ask about how you got another shirt like that,” Lucy said

“Don’t worry I have one for you too. But today I've decided to have mercy since it's your first time out ” Bradley replied.

Now that everyone was ready, they went to Bradley’s Bronco.

“I’ll see you inside,” Lucy told Bradley when they came out of the car. “I got a call from my principal”

“It’s Sunday! You can check that tomorrow” Bradley said, trying to stop her.

“It’s really quick. You can go ahead” Lucy answered, gaining a not much convinced nod from Bradley. He went to the bar after telling her “You buy the first round”. To which Lucy just laughed at it.

Lucy called back to her principal. It turns out that in a few weeks, they were having a little fundraiser. It was a yearly event trying to gain some extra money for school supplies. Since being a public school it’s always hard to get money for special materials. Her principal wanted to ask Lucy to take care of the baking area. She had to make some cakes and ask for support to parents to sell some of them. Lucy accepted happily because she loved baking, so it wasn’t a problem for her.

After the call, she made her way toward the bar when a man was thrown out of it. She got close to the man and helped him to stand up.

“Let me guess, you put your phone on Penny’s bar more than once,” Lucy says while offering her hand so he could stand up.

“Seems like I didn’t get the memo” the man responded while taking her hand.

“Yeah, a newcomer 's mistake.” she faked a laugh, helping him. 

Lucy took a look at the man, noticing the pilot’s jacket he was wearing. A Navy pilot, nothing new here. But the nametag caught her eye for a second. Maverick, that name sounds a little familiar. But she couldn't put her finger on it.

“Well, thank you. You didn’t need to help an old man.” The man said with a grateful smile.

“Well, my parents raised me well, sir.” She smiled at him when a familiar song came from the bar. Damn it, Rooster. He really needed to listen to more music. “I think that’s my call. And you're welcome, sir. Have a nice night”

“You too, kid” He replied and Lucy answered with a smiled 

She walked back to the bar. Opened the door and was greeted by the voices of drunk and sober people singing along to “Great Balls of Fire”. Before getting in she got a text from her brother, Joel.

No pilots allowed.

Lucy chuckled at his warning.

Don't worry. Too busy for that.

She went straight to the bar and tried to get Penny's attention. When the woman saw her, Penny's face lit up, and smiled at her. Before Lucy could ask, Penny got her a soda.

"It’s on the house Luce. It's really good to see you." Penny smiled at her handing her the cup before leaning on the counter "So… What do I owe this pleasure?"

"I was dragged here, Pen. You know I don't like this stuff." Lucy replied.

Penny knew her thanks to Lucy's Mom. Three years ago they went to the same book club. And since Amelia needed help with Spanish, her mom offered Lucy's help. After a few sessions, Lucy and Penny became friends. Penny became Lucy's confidant when Lucy felt she couldn't keep going and vice-versa. 

"And who should I thank?" Penny asked.

"My stupid brother-in-law," Lucy said, making her laugh.

"Well, I'm glad he did." Penny placed her hand on Lucy’s shoulder. "You really needed it." After saying that, she left, leaving a speechless Lucy alone.

While at the counter, Lucy analyzed the room realizing how out of place she was. Friends chatting and dancing, people making out, girls trying to flirt with Navy officers. If she had come here eight years ago, she would be dancing with her sister or singing along to Bradley’s piano. But now this wasn't her thing anymore. She was too lonely even in a crowded place like this. And the sound was making her ears feel overstimulated. She really needed to distract herself or get out of the place.

Before she could still feel petty for herself she heard a "Teach" calling in her back. When she turned around she was greeted by the life-sized version of a Ken doll. He walked confidently to her side.

"Hey, Luce. Missed me?" He asked flirtatiously as he gave her a hug.

"Hey, Jake." Lucy answered, “I think I should ask you that question.” She crossed her arms and smiled at him.

“Well, I did miss you.” He smiled at her while leaning closer

The relationship between her and Jake “Hangman” Seresin was one of frenemies. They met at a cafe when Lucy went to pick up some drinks for her co-workers. They talk while waiting and connect in a good way. Even had some more encounters around Miramar. After a while, they meet again at Bradley's Top Gun graduation. That’s when she learned Jake was Hangman, the one pilot that always loved to mess with Bradley. And Lucy didn’t like it when someone messed with her family. Even if she likes them, in a friendly way.

 “Still taking care of other people’s children,” he asked.

“Yep. Still giving girls headaches?” Lucy counterattacks, making Jake laugh. She drinks her soda while he tries to get her to talk. But she barely listened, the noise was becoming louder so it was hard for her to concentrate. She only could see Jake move his lips but nothing came out from them.

She felt a hand on her shoulder “Hey, Teach. Are you okay?” Jake asked, seeing her sudden change of demeanor. 

Before she could answer, Bradley came into her vision. And Lucy into his. She saw how his carefree smile tense when he registered who was next to her. Like the big brother he is, Bradley moves faster to take place next to Lucy and taking Jake's arm away from her.

“Need something from my sister, Bagman?” Bradley asked while putting his arm around Lucy’s shoulders.

“Don’t worry, Big bird.” Jake showed his hand like surrendered “Just catching up with an old friend. Don't need to be so overprotective, Rooster.” Before any of them could keep going, Lucy interceded. She really didn’t want to be in the middle of their bickering.

“And we are already finished.” Lucy turned to Jake and smiled “It was really nice catching up, Jake. See you around.” She took Bradley’s arm and started dragging him to the pool table. Where Bradley was before coming.

“See you, sweetheart” Jake shouted playfully making Bradley groan of annoyance.

“I swear you two are worse than my kids,” Lucy mumbled annoyed.

“He started it,” Bradley said, winning a look from her.

Getting to the pool table Bradley left Lucy's side when he saw a brunette getting closer. Lucy didn’t realize it since she started to look around the people in that area. When she found someone she thought never saw again.

“Tasha?” Lucy asked not believing her friend was in front of her.

"Teach!" She got closer to hug her "It's so good to see you, girl" Lucy embraced her warmly.

It had been years since the last time they saw each other. Phoenix and Lucy meet at the same time she and Hangman did. It had been all thanks to Bradley, he invited Phoenix to have dinner with her after hearing how homesick she was. When Natasha saw her in the kitchen feeding Sienna, she immediately thought that Lucy was Bradley's wife. But after presentations, she learned that they were nothing more than in-laws, a family helping each other. Lucy still remembers the look of relief on her face.

"I didn’t know you were called. Bradley didn't tell me anything." Lucy said when they broke the hug.

"You and I, Luce. He forgot to tell me he was called too." Natasha answered by lacing her arm with Lucy "I'm so happy that you're here, now I'm not the only girl in the group. Well, except for Halo, but she's with the other guys." Phoenix pointed out a girl next to two guys in the corner. "Now let me present you to everyone else."

Natasha took her where Bradley and the other three guys were surrounding a small table in the back. Here the sound was a little lower, so that helped Lucy to calm down. Bradley was chatting cheerfully to two of them while the other had his back turned. When they saw the two girls coming, they stopped their chat so the presentations could begin. Payback and Fanboy, that's how Bradley introduced them, where reall y excited to meet her . The first shook her hand while the second went for a hug saying something about how happy he was to "finally meet Teach".

"I told them about the time you punched Hangman in the face," Natasha explained proudly, putting her arm on Lucy's shoulder.

"Oh, that was an accident," Lucy told them. Feeling that she needed to explain the situation, she began to ramble. "Some guy was following me and Jake tried to help me. But I thought he was the guy so I ambushed him and punched him straight in the eye." She smiled ashamed, looking at her shoes. 

While the guys laughed so hard that they were almost crying. Especially Fanboy that had to lean on Payback's arm.

"IT WAS YOU? You gave him the black eye?" Bradley asked, astonished. Lucy just nodded and chuckled, eyes still fixed on the floor.

"Yeah, Jake make me promise that a won’t tell anyone" Lucy explained to her brother-in-law.

“But you told Phoenix!” Bradley argued like a little child.

“Because she wouldn’t use to annoy him. As you would” Lucy muttered loud enough to make everyone expect Bradley, to chuckle.

Before he could “defend” himself, a new voice joined the group.

"Sorry, guys. I had a call from my Meemaw" Someone spoke next to Phoenix.

When Lucy raised her head, her eyes were met with a pair of Birth control glasses and cobalt eyes. It was him, the same man from the library, he was in front of her. Just that this time he was wearing khakis instead of some blue jeans and a blue plaid shirt. And his hair, if Lucy thought he looked cute before, now that she saw him with his hair styled, that changed him to handsome.

From the man's point of view, it was almost the same. He never thought fate was on his side, but maybe just for today. Maybe the scales have changed for good. For him, Lucy looked more beautiful than yesterday. Without a doubt, she was the most beautiful woman in the bar, no, in the whole world. He started to feel his heart racing, making him unable to talk.

"Library boy" Lucy was the first to speak, making the group look at the just mentioned.

"Hi…hi" He stuttered, still in awe. 

"You know Bob?" Phoenix asked, interrupting their moment. Everyone was asking the same question. How was that possible? 

"Yeah. We met yesterday," Lucy answered, not knowing how to answer correctly.

"In the library" Bob completed shyly, feeling everyone's eyes on him. 

Lucy smiled at him, ashamed of the possible future reactions from Bradley and Phoenix. Those two were so happy to see her like that. Maybe even planning their wedding already.

"Well, that's great!" Natasha said gaining the attention "Now you know my backseater"

"Your backseater?" Lucy asked with her brown furrow “You’re a WSO?” her voiced sound surprise. And for him was the same, it was rare that women not NAVY related knew what his job was.

“Yeah,” he admitted flustered. He extended his hand to introduce himself. “Lieutenant Robert Floyd, Weapon System Officer” 

Lucy smiled at his actions and how he told her exactly what WSO meant. Even though she already knew what it was. She took his hand and shook it.

“Lucia Orozco” she answered with a smile “But everyone calls me Lucy or Teach”

“You have a call sign?” Bob asked, surprised.

“More like a nickname, Tasha and Bradley gave me one a long time ago” she explained, a little embarrassed. She placed her hand on her wrist, playing with her bracelet “What’s yours?” She asked curiously. But before he could answer, Fanboy did it for him. Getting in between.

“It’s Bob,” he said with a giggle.

“Dude!” Bradley scolded him as he had just interrupted an important moment. 

Lucy only chuckled at it. She thought Bob had a call sign just as his name fitted him perfectly. Bob on the other side, felt ashamed of it. He was thinking that it wasn't as cool as the others were. So he just hide a little, like he was trying to make himself smaller. Lucy quickly catches his change of demeanor.

“I think it's a great call sign,” She said sure of herself, making everyone surprised. “It’s short and easy to say. Most callsign should be like that. Especially if you’re in situations where you can’t use too many words” she explained “Imagine you're in a difficult situation and say Fanboy instead of Bob. I mean that's three letters of difference, too much trouble.” she finished.

Both WSOs had their cheeks tint red the only difference was the meaning of each. Fanboy felt ashamed, while Bob was surprised and his heart was racing faster than ever. It was barely the second time they saw each other and Lucy was ready to defend him. 

“Damn, she got you good, man” Payback started bursting into laughter. Seconds later everyone joined him

But on the other side, Lucy realized what she just said. And now she blushed too.

“I'm so sorry, Mickey. I swear I didn’t want to make fun of you.” Lucy apologized “Sometimes the filter between my brain and mouth doesn’t work” Bradley hugged her shoulders.

“Lu, don’t apologize to that guy. He deserved it” He said, trying to calm her down. After that, Mickey assured her that it was okay, he just was caught by surprise.

After that, everyone fell into a more comfortable and friendly conversation. Everyone except Bob, decided to stay silent and enjoy the moment. Or at least try. Since his eyes couldn't focus beyond the arm of Rooster on Lucy’s shoulders and how comfortable they seem with each other. Yeah, definitely her noticing was too good to be true.

“Stop that,” Phoenix told him making him jump. Bob didn't realize when she moved next to him.

“What? I… I don’t know what you mean” he said confused at what she just said to him. She looked at him for a second, trying to decide if he was telling the truth or trying to fool her. But after seeing his baby deer eyes, she realized Bob actually didn’t know what she meant.

“That face of hurt baby deer” she reply while she moved closer to him like she didn’t want to be heard by the others.

“Hurt? Wha… what do you mean?” he asked. Phoenix sighed at his reaction. Man, this boy couldn’t be more blind, joke aside.

“I just, I know what your thinking” she stated in a whisper “I had the same face the first time I met them. And, since you are a nice guy or that’s what I hope, I’m gonna tell you this.” Phoenix moved closer, making it look like she was taking some of the peanuts from Bob’s cup. “They’re family. Rooster and Lu are in-laws. He was married to her sister before she died giving birth to his daughter” she explained.

Suddenly it clicked, the little girl in the library. She was Rooster’s daughter. Even Lucy had told him she was her niece. Now he really felt embarrassed. He made conclusions without knowing all the information. His Meemaw would be ashamed of him right now.

“I don’t know what to say” he admitted avoiding Phoenix's eyes. The woman seeing his action, felt compassion for her WSO so she just gave him some pats on his back.

“Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself” she tried to calm Bob down “It’s not the first time someone thought that about them.” Bob drinks some water from his cup “Now you can definitely try to get a chance with her” She added mischievously making Bob choke.

When he started to cough he got everyone's attention fixed on him. Lucy quickly moved closer to Bob seeing if he was okay, Phoenix seeing this left his side. Maybe it was the teacher inside of her, but Lucy wanted to make sure he was fine.

“Are you okay, Robert?” she asked him getting his attention while she placed her hand on his back.

Bob simply nodded and blushed, no one called him by his name when he was on call. After calming down he just stared at her. 

“What is it? Do you need more water?” she questioned him quickly worried. 

“No, no, it’s just… It’s silly, don’t worry about it” he replied softly but the brunette looked at him like she was expecting an explanation. Bob sighed defeated “It’s just no one around here calls me by my name”

“Oh,” Lucy simply commented “Do you want me to call you Bob? I mean, I call everyone by their name. But I can totally call you Bob if you wanted. I mean, I don’t have a problem at all” She started to ramble, feeling a little anxious about making a mistake. 

Bob notice how she started to talk faster than before, just like when they meet at the library. He simply giggled at her reaction, damn, she was cute.

“Robert is fine” He replied friendly trying to ease her “I mean, my ma tends to use it when she is mad at me. But you can call me Robert or anything you want” Bob chuckled awkwardly.

“Okay, Robert” Lucy smile warmly.

They stood there in comfortable silence. A minute passed and Lucy decided to try to have a conversation with him, because, even if she leaked the silence she always needed to fill it. Thankfully, Bob found that endearing and followed everything she said to him. Paying attention to what Lucy said, answering all of her questions, and sometimes making them himself. The time passed but they didn’t felt since they were inside their own bubble. So they didn’t realize that two sets of eyes were watching this whole interaction from the pool table.

“You’re thinking what I’m thinking?” Phoenix smiled mischievously at Rooster.

“I don’t know. Are you thinking about how I should play again “Great Balls of Fire”?” He reply winning a glare from the brunette “I’m joking” he chuckled “Yes, I think they look good together” Rooster rolled his eyes

“Good, so we are definitely going to do something about it” she said determined.

“Are you sure? I mean, you know where Lu is standing when we talk about relationships” Rooster knew better than anyone his sister-in-law feeling about having someone to care for romantically speaking.

“Bradley” Phoenix talk with a serious tone “You know better than anyone that this is what she needs” She stared into his eyes hoping to convince him. Rooster sighed.

“Fine, but if something happens it is all your fault” He accepted making Phoenix smile excited.

Half an hour later, the gang decided to go home so they could sleep before the big day that was coming. Everyone said their goodbyes and went their own ways. Before getting into his car, Bob gave one last peek at Lucy, who was talking with Rooster while getting into their car, and smiled warmly. Tonight it had been the best night of his life.

What he didn’t know was that the girl from the other side was looking at him too. Grateful that her brother-in-law and niece got her out of their house. She definitely went to sleep with a smile on her face.

[aprilchallenge]

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