#tobias carrick x mc

[jerzwriter]

Welcome Brooke Vivian Carrick!

In my headcanon for Tobias & Casey, little Brooke joins the family on August 30, 2025. But I'm delivering this incredible artwork to you one year earlier! This lovely commission is from none other than the incomparable @/artbyainna on Instagram. I've run out of amazing things to say about her, but she never, ever disappoints.

I had hoped to write more about Brooke's birth story—and maybe one day I will—but I really wanted to share this before the end of August. Some HCs about Casey's pregnancy and Brooke's birth can be found below. Maybe I'll write a little more about them one day. I sure do love this little family!

You can find some stories about this time in Round Two and more about Tobas x Casey on Tobias x Casey's Masterlist.

Caption Pietro (the cat): To me, he's saying "Not impressed!" 😂

Pregnancy/Birth Headcanons:

As with her first pregnancy with Sammy, poor Casey was pretty much nauseous for the first three months. That was even more challenging with a toddler underfoot. Fortunately, Tobias was always quick to tell her to rest, and grandmas Vivian and Rose were all too happy to step in when needed.

The minute morning sickness ends - Casey is famished and has tons of cravings. Tobias was better prepared for that this time. This time around, she wanted Greek salads and French fries most of all. See a little Insta edit about that below.

Tobias made it clear he wanted a big family; Casey made it clear she was the one who had the babies, and he agreed; it was her call. They never said definitively that this was their last, but they both believed it was. They really took time to cherish every moment of this special time.

Casey and Tobias were happy to see her sex drive was insane during this pregnancy, their friends asked how they noticed a difference? lol

Tobias arranged a 'babymoon' vacation when Casey was seven months pregnant. He wanted to go to one of their favorite islands in the Pacific, but he wasn't keen on Casey traveling so far from home while pregnant. He also wasn't about to take her to any states that could jeopardize her life if she were to have complications, so that limited his choices. They ended up at a luxury hotel in Cape May, New Jersey. He got a suite on a separate floor for Vivian and Rose, too. This way they got some relaxation and they could all spend time with Sammy - but Mom & Dad got plenty of alone time, too.

Once again, Tobias insisted they were having a daughter, so he never even looked at boy's names. Girl's names were also a challenge; neither could come up with anything they loved. Finally, his Aunt Cher suggested Eden or Brooke for Edenbrook. They loved the idea and decided to wait until the baby was born to see if she looked more like an Eden or a Brooke. Obviously, Brooke won! She was given Tobias's mother's name, Vivian, as a middle name.

For most of Casey's pregnancy, Sammy was unimpressed about the idea of a new baby, but toward the end, she decided it would be fun. So she was eager to meet her little sister, and when they brought Brooke home, Sammy really thought it was a present just for her.

Pietro, their cat, was obsessed with her baby bump throughout her pregnancy but had no interest in Brooke once she was born. Casey and Tobias joked it was an odd way to learn their cat was a Republican.

Like her sister, Brooke was anxious to enter the world and came a little earlier than expected. Her due date of September 20th became a birthdate of August 30th. Casey was in labor for 5 1/2 hours, but there were complications, and it was decided it would be best to have a C-section. Tobias was at her side through it all (and she was telling him to get a vasectomy most of that time....)

They were overjoyed when little Brooke was safely delivered, and they spent the next few days in the hospital suite marveling over her and trying to wrap their heads around the fact that they now had two little girls. Tobias was outnumbered, and he loved it.

Here's a little edit about Casey's cravings - well, at least the food cravings - this pregnancy lol

[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."

[storyofmychoices]

Holiday Cheer 🎄 ❤️ 💚

My loveliest @jerzwriter and @lilyoffandoms, I adore you both so very much! I am grateful to this fandom for bring you both into my life! You both make this fandom a better place by being your amazing selves. Love you both!!!

I hope you enjoy this holiday art of our Open Heart babies by the always lovely, @weetlebeetle!

Holiday Cheer 🎄 ❤️ 💚

Prompts: Christmas: @choicesdecember2023, @choicesficwriterscreations, @choicesholidays, @choicesflashfics (holiday prompt, in bold)

Pairing: Bryce x Olivia , Ethan x Merida (@lilyoffandoms), Tobias x Casey (@jerzwriter)

Book: Open Heart

Word Count: >700

Rating/Warnings: general

Synopsis: Olivia, Merida, and Casey decide to decorate the Diagnostic Office.

The Diagnostic Office buzzed with festive energy as Olivia, Casey, and Merida decorated Ethan's office with holiday cheer. The trio, wearing holiday sweaters and festive headbands, worked diligently, preparing a surprise for their significant others. Boxes of decorations lay scattered across the room. In the center of the space lay a jumbled mess of tangled lights. 

Casey grappled with the relentless knots in the string lights, muttering under her breath. The more of the knots she freed, the more the lights seemed to conspire, weaving her into their tangled web.

Merida offered her assistance, teasing her friend playfully. "Making friends with the lights, Casey? Or are they plotting a holiday takeover?"

"They seem a formidable foe," Olivia chimed in, giggling as she watched Casey try to unravel a particularly tangled section.

"Ugh! I feel like neurosurgery would be easier than this," Casey joked, tediously separating the stubbornly intertwined wires.

Olivia added miniature ornaments to the long strands of garlands strewn around the rooms, her eyes sparkling with joy. "I can't wait to see their faces when they walk in." She clapped her hands enthusiastically, unable to contain her excitement. 

"Finally!" Casey jumped up, pumping her hands in the air in victory. She quickly gathered the lights, placing them in Olivia's arms. "They're all yours!" 

"My pleasure!" Olivia took the lights, holding them up in front of her, deciding on their perfect placement. 

A mischievous spark flickered in Casey's eyes as she caught Merida's attention. "Let's add a little extra surprise." She produced a small sprig of mistletoe from her bag.

Merida's brow arched. "Do you and Tobias really need another reason to be all over each other?"

"Oh, it's not for me," Casey teased, winking toward Merida. "I think we can all agree that a certain diagnostician would benefit from letting loose a little bit." 

"I'm not sure he'll share your sentiment, but I'm willing to risk it. Who knows, maybe we'll see our own Christmas miracle," Merida retorted. 

With stealthy precision, they positioned the mistletoe above the office doorway, chuckling at the playful addition to the festive decor.

The two stood beneath it, making sure it was safely secured, and somewhat out of sight. 

Merida's gaze shifted between the decor and Casey. "If this doesn't get Ethan's attention, I'm sure I could find someone else to take advantage of it with?" 

Casey shrugged coyly, curious by the prospect, "And, perhaps also even if he does!"

As the three friends finished up, the room transformed into a cozy haven adorned with twinkling lights and festive cheer.

Just then, the door swung open, and Bryce, Ethan, and Tobias entered, greeted by the sight of the dazzlingly decorated office. Their eyes widened in surprise and appreciation, well, at least for two of them.

“It looks like Santa threw up in here," Ethan grumbled. 

"It's festive," Tobias quickly defended, admiring the decorations. "You gotta lighten up, Scrooge."

"I wish someone would decorate the O.R. like this," Bryce added gleefully.

"You do realize that none of this is sterile," Ethan interrupted. “So unless you plan to risk your patients lives, you do not wish someone to decorate the O.R.”

"Ignore him," Bryce wrapped his arms around Olivia, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "It's beautiful." 

Ethan sighed, rubbing the space between his brows. He was truly outnumbered. He always was, but sometimes he had Olivia on his side. Not this time. “...It can stay," he mumbled reluctantly.

"It really wasn't an option," Casey smirked. 

Ethan stepped further into his office, but his movements were halted.

"Not so fast—" Merida sauntered forward, pressing Ethan back under the doorway once more. "I believe you owe me a kiss." 

"That's a juvenile tradition," he protested.

"Are you refusing? You know that's bad luck."

"You know I don't believe in luck."

Merida shook her head; she wanted to scold him but this was who he was, and she loved him for it. Her fingers flirted with his tie a moment, before she pulled him down to her, her lips crashing against his.

Their embrace was met by whistles and howls from their friends. The pair ignored them, their lingering kiss enduring.

Casey turned to Tobias, her voice soft, "Merry Christmas." Her lips met his tenderly. 

Olivia leaned further into Bryce, letting the warmth and comfort of his embrace engulf her as she marveled at the beautiful lights and displays surrounding them. 

Their jobs weren't always easy, and sometimes things could seem bleak, but right now, surrounded by their friends and such a cheerful display, everything seemed just right.

[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

[choicesficwriterscreations]

Open Heart F/AtoW: Jun 9 - 15, 2024

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

ETHAN RAMSEY

Bedtime ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @tveitertotwrites

Book 1 Rewrite (Series) ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @ilikemenbutonlyethanramsey Chapter 3: Annie

Stranded ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @jerzwriter

The Home Stretch 📱 | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @genevievemd

MULTIPLE PAIRINGS

Mono~poly (Series) ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC, Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter Chapter 1: Something Big

OPEN HEART MC

Not My Bestie! 📱 | F!MC & M!OC - @liaromancewriter

RAFAEL AVEIRO

Does He Really Want Me ✒️ | Rafael Aveiro x F!MC - @rafasgirl23415

Moving On (Series) ✒️ | Rafael Aveiro x F!MC Chapter 50: How Dare She?

SIENNA TRINH

Magical ✒️ | Sienna Trinh x M!OC - @liaromancewriter

My Best Friend, My Chosen Sister ✒️ | Sienna Trinh & F!MC - @rafasgirl23415

TOBIAS CARRICK

No Return ✒️ | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter

CROSSOVERS

Bloodbound / Open Heart

The Secret ✒️ | Bloodbound F!MC & Open Heart M!MC - @aesthetic-aag

Hollywood U / Open Heart

Friendship & New Beginnings ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey & Thomas Hunt - @theartoflovingthomashunt

Main F/AtoW List: June 9 - 15, 2024

[alj4890masterlist]

Mixed Signals

(Ethan Ramsey x F!MC) (Bryce Lahela x F!MC) (Tobias Carrick x FMC)

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

[icecoffee90]

Huge thank you to the amazing @bayleedrawsx for this beautiful commission of my and @jerzwriter's Choices OTPs! I only asked for a (silly) art of the MCs catching snowflakes with their tongues and their LIs looking at them lovingly.. And she turned the idea into this masterpiece! 🥰

I hope you love it just as much as I do, E! 😊 Since PB (and Open Heart in particular) played the integral part in us becoming friends in the first place, I thought it was only right to include Tobias and Casey in this commission alongside Bryce and Joshua. I like to think of this piece as a little parallel universe in which our MCs would be friends despite not having much in common - just like the two of us, lol.

Submission for @choicesjanuarychallenge day 24 "friends"

[tveitertotwrites]

Tobias Carrick x Adelaide Barnes Masterlist

Spotify Playlist

Meet the OC

Adelaide's Exes

The Barnes-Carrick Children

Hopkins Girl

Adelaide's Birthday

Summary: It's Adelaide's birthday.

Black Dress

Summary: Adelaide wears a new dress out to dinner.

Blindfold

Summary: After an "innocent" game of Never Have I Ever, Tobias and Adelaide try something new. (Explicit)

Paper Rings

Summary: Since their first date, Tobias has made Adelaide paper rings. Now he thinks it is time to give her a real one.

A Favor

Summary: When Adelaide finds out Landry moved next door to her and they share a wall, she has an idea.

What do I wear?

Summary: Adelaide needs help deciding what to wear to an event.

[genevievemd]

The Tortured Men’s Department

A/N: it’s me. Hi.

This is for @jerzwriter cause she’s my bestie and we have a joke going that her Tobias and my Ethan should meet because they’re essentially married to the same person 😂 also totally inspired by the texts she posted yesterday between her Tobias and Casey

Enjoy the nonsense fam

Also technically T is referencing about Camila (who’s also currently pregnant with their second) but I didn’t mention her so that if you squint it could be Elsa and I’s AU joke lol

[jerzwriter]

a little jealous - Tobias x Casey HC

It took me three years to tell the story of how my messy kids finally got together. By the time they did, they were so in love with a solid foundation of friendship beneath them. The honeymoon period was intense; however, nothing is perfect, and transitioning from friends to so much more comes with its challenges. So, I decided it was time to finally write those stories, too. The first story was Money, Money, and this is the second. I have one, possibly two, more remaining.

Book: Open Heart (Late Book 2 Timeline) Pairing: Tobias Carrick x Casey MacTavish (F!MC) Featuring: Sienna Trinh, Terrance Mendoza, minor OCs Rating: Teen Words: 3,700 Summary: Newly together, Tobias and Casey are as happy as can be. But when Tobias's past keeps interrupting their present, Casey begins to struggle. Tobias thinks a little jealousy is cute at first, but as time goes on, both of them are having difficulty dealing with the situation. He can't change his past, so how do they get past it?

Tobias x Casey Masterlist Open Heart Masterlist Full Masterlist

“Tobias? Tobias, is that you?”

Effortlessly commanding attention was Tobias’s specialty, and he seemed to do it wherever he went. Tonight, as he sauntered through a posh Boston club tonight, a place to see and be seen, it was clear that he was in his element. His hand-fitted designer suit and contrasting silk shirt - unbuttoned just enough to tease at the sculpted masterpiece that lay underneath - could have been fresh off of any runway. With his enchanting smile firmly in place and his crystal blue eyes surveying the crowd, it was no wonder so many felt their attention turning his way.

In the not-too-distant past, he would have been glowing. Reveling in the attention, he would have been assessing each admirer to select his desired target for the night. There is no way he would have missed the raven-haired beauty now pushing her way through the crowd of revelers to be by his side; by now, he would have been determining how long it would take to get her out of that emerald green and gold dress that left little to the imagination. It wouldn’t have taken him long. But times had changed, and Tobias had only one objective this evening: joining his beautiful girlfriend at the table he reserved on the other side of the room.

But what he easily overlooked was impossible for Casey to miss. Her eyes followed the tall, slender beauty rushing to reach the man Casey now claimed as her own. The woman’s long, voluminous curls fell over her bare shoulders, stopping just before her décolletage. The way her copper skin glowed under the pulsating lights was downright ethereal. Casey was more than well aware of her boyfriend’s reputation, and she knew several of the beauties that made up the story of his colorful past, but this one, she was exquisite. A Praxiteles sculpture come to life that could rival any of the goddesses the master had created. Tobias may have been oblivious to her, but Casey was painfully aware.

“Tobias!” The woman yelled, pulling him into an entirely too close embrace the moment he spun around. Snagged only yards away from the table where Casey sat.

 “Mia,” he smiled pleasantly. “How are you? It’s been a long time!”

“Far too long,” she purred, her manicured hand resting on his arm as her eyes trailed over him. “You look delicious as always! How have you been?”

“Looking good yourself,” he grinned. “I’ve been good. Better than good, actually.”

“Really?” Mia winked. “I hope your next words will be because you ran into me.” Her smile was so inviting that it was impossible to misinterpret its intention.  

“Oh,” Tobias replied, quickly jerking backward. “Uh.. actually... I’m here with someone tonight.”

Casey remained seated at the table, her face bereft of any emotion. She credited the vodka and tonic she brought to her lips for that. Now, if it would just help her stop scolding herself for the jealousy that was burning to the surface inside her.

Let it go, Casey. She told herself. His past is his past; besides, you should be used to this by now.

She rose to her feet and closed the short distance between them, looping her arm into Tobias’s the second she reached his side.

“You’re finally here,” Casey gushed, placing a delicate kiss on his cheek. “I was getting lonely waiting for you.” She was quite capable of making her intentions clear as well.

“I’m so sorry, baby,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “Our favorite patient got out of surgery just as I was leaving the hospital, and I wanted to check in on him before I left.”

“Probably for the best,” Casey agreed.

“Your patient?” The woman asked. “Are you co-workers?”

“Yes,” Casey smiled, turning to the woman who had made Tobias her prey. “We work together at Edenbrook.”

“Well, it goes beyond that,” Tobias added. “Casey, allow me to introduce you to Mia. Mia, this is my girlfriend, Casey.”

Mia. Casey didn’t recall that name among his list of paramours, and she noted that he failed to mention his relationship to her, but that was probably for the best. She extended her hand as shock and disappointment registered on Mia’s face.

“Mia, it’s lovely to meet you.”

“Oh, same,” she stammered. “Uhm, girlfriend...huh?” Her eyes met Tobias’s with a flash of anger. “I thought you didn’t do that sort of thing.”

“I didn’t,” he shrugged. “But now, I do.”

“Hmm. This should make for an interesting social experiment,” she taunted. With a glance at Casey, she shot a curt smile. “Well, good luck to you.” And with a wink at Tobias, she was gone.

Casey made her way back to the banquette, and Tobias slid in beside her, hoping that exchange wouldn’t dampen the evening. He draped his arm around Casey’s shoulders; his fingers toyed with the thin strap of rhinestones that held up her pale blue dress in place. Now, he was determining how long it would be before the beautiful frock would litter his bedroom floor... some things never changed. But this time, he didn’t want her out of it too soon; he wanted to have fun with her, show her off to the world. Ravishing her back at his place could wait just a little bit.

“Have I told you how irresistible you look tonight,” he growled into her ear, sending shivers down Casey’s spine.

That voice.

She wondered if he knew how quickly it rendered her speechless, how it made her question the necessity of every article of clothing on her body. When he began to trace little circles on her skin, the memory of the bronze goddess was pushed out of Casey’s head for good, or at least for now.

“Oh, uhm... no,” Casey replied. With a lustful little grin on her lips, she wrapped her arms around his neck and spoke into his ear. “You haven’t, but I’d love for you to tell me more.”

~~~~~

This wasn’t the first time they bumped into one of his former lovers. Nor was it the second or even the third. Casey had lost count and was beginning to wonder if they’d need to move out of Boston to go an entire day without running into someone.

There was the effusive pharmaceutical representative who just happened to stop by his office the day Casey was meeting Tobias for lunch. Her sultry laughter echoed down the hall as Casey approached, and she’d never forget the way the smile fell from the voluptuous brunette’s ruby-red lips when Tobias stood to greet her with a kiss, quickly introducing her as his girlfriend.

“Another ex-girlfriend?” she asked, purposely keeping her voice jovial, though it didn’t match the feelings welling inside.

“I wouldn’t exactly call her a girlfriend,” Tobias chuckled.

“Another ex-fuck buddy?” She asked, this time her intonation was more terse.

“She and I just... wait,” Tobias stopped. With a smug grin, he pulled Casey close. “Don’t tell me you’re jealous, baby?”

Her eyes fell to the floor, he body betraying her as her cheeks turned bright pink. She felt foolish. She knew it was stupid and didn’t know how to answer. Tobias noticed her discomfort and was eager to pull her out of it; he gently touched her chin, tilting her face in his direction.

“Case, please tell me you’re not really jealous—because as adorable as you look all pink and perturbed, you know you’re the only person in the world I want, right?”

“Pink and perturbed?” She blurted in an attempt to deflect from the topic. “What’s that, the name of some cheezy porno?”

“No,” he laughed, kissing her gently to ward off any further embarrassment. “It’s not. So, where am I treating my gorgeous girlfriend to lunch? I told you, you pick this time.”  

Casey pushed her feelings away as they walked down the hospital hallway, arm in arm. They were together at long last and deliriously happy. The man adored her, so why was she letting this bother her? It seemed each time she felt she was getting past it, someone else would pop up: the adorable young woman with green eyes and a reddish-brown bob who squealed when she spotted Tobias in Whole Foods. The blonde with the bouncy ponytail they came across while jogging in the Seaport. The smoky-eyed bartender who served them drinks at his co-worker’s wedding.

Each time, it ended the same way: Casey became sullen, Tobias went out of his way to assure her, and she promised herself she’d let it go... until it happened again.

“It has to end sometime, right?” She said, shoving a spoonful of Haagen-Dasz Belgian double chocolate ice cream into her mouth. “At some point, I will have to have run into everyone he’s ever slept with, and this will end, right?”

Sienna looked up from the book she was reading on the other side of the couch. “I don’t know. I don’t know what his number is, but even if it's in the hundreds, the truth is you’ll eventually stop running into them if you’re planning on being with him a long time, never mind if I use the other F word.”

“The other F word?” Casey asked.

“Forever,” Sienna winked. She reached over and took her friend’s hand. “Casey, you knew his reputation... and you still fell in love with him. This isn’t like you. You’ve never judged anyone for their sexual choices, and you’ve always been so confident. Unless you suspect any of these women are potentially current lovers, and I doubt that’s the case, why is this bothering you so much?"

Casey tossed the empty container of ice cream and her spoon onto the coffee table, the spoon hitting it with a loud clang. “That’s the thing!” Casey spat. “I don't know. It is in the past, and this is unlike me... I hate that I feel this way, but I feel helpless to control it. I think I’m over it, then another would-be-fucking-model appears all but oozing with desire for another go-round, and I feel like shit all over again."

“How does Tobias react when these things happen?” Sienna asked.

“Tobias isn’t the problem. Yeah, sometimes he’s a little flirtatious, but he’d be a little flirtatious talking to a doorknob. That’s just who he is. I’m not threatened by that.”

“Do you feel threatened at all?”

“I don’t know,��� Casey sighed, her shoulders falling as she exhaled. “But I hate feeling this way.”

“Have you told Tobias about this?”

“No,” she insisted. “And I don’t plan on. It’s stupid, and I don’t want to look like a jealous little twit.”

“But if you’re in a relationship, you need to be honest. He should know how this makes you feel. Promise you’ll think about it?”

Casey agreed and hugged her friend. Mumbling something about not having any more ice cream under her breath as she shuffled off to bed.

~~~~~

The following morning, Tobias picked Casey up as planned. Handing her a single long-stemmed rose when she opened the door.

“For me?” she smiled bashfully.

“Who else?” he grinned, his face lit up the way it always did when she appeared, and as their lips came together in a slow, passionate kiss, all felt right with the world.  

“So, where are you taking me?” Casey asked.

“The Mission. It’s just a hole-in-the-wall bar near Kenmore, but they have the most incredible Sunday brunch. Trust me, you’re going to love it!”

“By Kenmore? Is anyone joining us?”

“Terrance will be there,” he replied. “A few other co-workers, too. It’s the kind of place where people just show up, and you never know who will join you. But that works great for me.”

“It does?” She asked as they reached the car. “Why?”

Gently pushing her against the passenger door, Tobias brushed the hair from her face and brought their lips to hers once more. He pulled away with that glow and smile firmly in place.

“Why? Because it took us long enough to get here. Now that you’re mine, I want to show you off to the whole world. Can you blame me?”

“Nah,” Casey blushed, straightening the lapels on his jacket. “I supposed I can’t.”

They were seated at the bar, and Casey had to admit Tobias was right. Her eggs benedict were near perfection, and Tobias’s Belgian waffles weren’t too shabby either. She wished she knew Terrance and the other Kenmore friends a little bit better, because she would have happily swiped some of their food, too. The atmosphere was loud and boisterous; it reminded her of a more polished Donahue’s, and sitting there with Tobias at her side, Casey couldn't have been more content.

“How are your eggs benedict?” Terrance asked. “I’ve never had them here.”

Casey looked up, her eyes wide. This was her chance! “They’re wonderful! And, if you’re willing to part with a piece of your French toast, I’ll gladly trade you for some of mine.”

A smile spread on Terrance’s face as he broke off a piece of his French toast, silently putting it on Casey’s plate. He looked at Tobias, nodding with approval. “I like her! A woman who knows what she wants and makes sure it happens!"

“Hey!” Casey playfully interrupted. “I gave you something in return. I was nice about it!”

“Exactly!” Terrance replied, his eyes shutting tight as he bit into the eggs benedict. “God, they’re delicious!” He said before returning to his original point, "And that’s why I like you.”

“Yeah,” Tobias beamed, pulling Casey closer to him. “Well, I like her a whole lot more.”

“Agh!” Melissa, a chestnut-haired nurse around Tobias’s age, gagged. “You two are too sweet! Who the hell is this man, and what did he do with our Tobias?”

“Yeah,” Terrance laughed. “You have to understand, Tobias marching into being a happily monogamous man has been a huge shock for us. You must be one hell of a woman.”

“I assure you, she is,” Tobias grinned.

“She has to be!” Melissa laughed as she animatedly counted the people around them. “You’ve dated at least a half-dozen people here... that I know of... many have tried and failed to get to your position, Casey,” she smiled and raised her mimosa. “Hats off to you.”

Casey smiled politely. She knew they meant no harm, but now all she could do was look around the room and wonder who it was. Which of these women had felt his hands on their bodies and knew how intoxicating it felt when he focused all his attention on them, no matter how long it lasted? How many had slept on the mattress she now spent most nights on, waking up under his covers, blissful in his arms, before playfully stumbling to the shower for another round that they’d never forget?  

She ordered another drink and did her best to remain cordial, but her mood shifted, and while the others may have been oblivious, Tobias noticed. He asked her if she was all right when they returned to his car. Once again, she insisted everything was fine. But the ride was marred with an unusual silence that no amount of music could erase. After parking the car, they walked to his house when a pretty young woman walking a Shih Tzu smiled his way.

“Morning, Tobias,” she smiled, nodding at Casey.

“Hey, Mary! Good seeing you,” he replied. "You too, Shotzie!"

They had barely taken a few steps away when Casey asked. “So, did you fuck her, too?”

“What?”

“Nothing,” Casey replied with a frown.

Tobias took a deep breath of the warm summer air and exhaled slowly. “I know I have a reputation, Casey... but I didn’t sleep with everyone we bump into.”

“Really?” She replied, dropping her hand from his as they reached his door. “Because sometimes it sure feels that way.”

Tobias lingered by the doorway as Casey stepped inside, tossing her purse on a side table before plopping down on his couch. Her expression was a complex mix of self-reproach, frustration with him, and reluctant acceptance. Tobias’s face transformed rapidly, moving from shock to annoyance and finally to determination in mere seconds. He locked the door, and the sound of his keys clattering against the marble table echoed through the room.

“All right, this can’t continue. Casey, we need to talk.”

She sat on the edge of the couch, nervously twisting a strand of her hair. She loved him, and he was right—they did need to talk. But those were the four most dreaded words in the English language, and right now, she felt like their first conflict was all her fault. Tears welled in her eyes when Tobias knelt before her, his eyes full of concern and love.

“Casey, what’s bothering you? When you started acting a little jealous here and there, I honestly thought it was endearing. Maybe it’s stupid, but I’ve never meant that much to anyone before, and it was nice to feel like I mattered enough for jealousy to be a real thing... but now I can see it’s not cute. It’s making you feel uneasy, and it’s making me feel like you don’t trust me, and none of this is good. So, how do we get past it?”

“Tobias, I know you have a past; we both do, even if yours is a little more colorful than mine. It never bothered me, but lately, I feel like we'll need to leave the state if I want to go a day without running into one of your former lovers, and it’s harder than I expected it to be. Especially when it’s obvious that they would love another chance at you.”

“Hon,” he said, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “You know you have nothing to worry about, right? No one is a threat to you.”

She took a deep breath, her eyes meeting his. “I know that, and I trust you, but seeing these women all the time... and they’re all so beautiful, so perfect... and sometimes all I can think of is that there is no way I can be enough for you. I wonder how long it will be before you think so, too, and it hurts. I know it’s irrational, and it’s not fair to you. You’ve done nothing to make me feel this way. It’s only me feeling like I’m... inadequate, and I’m mad at myself for even feeling this way.”

“Your feelings are never irrational, Case. They’re real and valid. You’re also the only thing that matters to me, so what can I do to help you feel more secure?”

“I don’t know, I just feel like I can’t compete with them.”

“You’re right... because there is no competition, and if there were trust, you’d win.”

She looked at him, and the sincerity and concern in his eyes warmed her heart but also filled her with guilt. Tears welled up as she lowered her head.

“I don’t know. I guess I need reassurance sometimes, but I hate asking for it. I’m usually so much more confident than this, and I don’t want to seem needy.”

“You’re not needy. You’re human,” Tobias said softly. “Plus, you’ve dealt with so much in this past year. You have no idea how much you amaze me. You're so strong, and I hate to see you doubt yourself, especially if it’s on my account.”

“No, Tobias,” she interrupted. This is a me problem—one hundred percent a me problem."

“Well, maybe, but that doesn't mean I'm not here for you. I love you, and I chose you. My past is just that – the past. You are my present, and I hope you’ll be my future, too.”

He let out a soft chuckle, and Casey looked at him with questioning eyes. “What?”

“If it makes you feel any better, sometimes I could use some reassurance, too.”

“You?” She astounded. “You’re the most confident person I know. You feel insecure? When?”

“Hey, it happens,” he smiled, sitting next to her and taking her in his arms. “I’m nearly forty, and yeah, I’ve had a lot of... flings... in my life, but love... the real deal? This is brand new to me. You know it scared the hell out of me at first, and even though it doesn’t anymore.... sometimes I have to wonder if I’m doing it right.”

“Oh, honey. You’re doing it so right. You’re so good to me, and I feel so loved.”

“And do I measure up?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper. Casey pulled back, her brows knit together.

“Measure up? To who?”

“Look, I don’t care how many people you slept with before me. You’re with me now, and I’m not worried about that. But you had something with others that I never had... you had love. And because you have this big heart, most of the people you loved are still in your life.”

“Tobias, they may be in my life, and yeah, I suppose I still love them... but not in that way any longer... not in the way that I love you.”

“I know that,” he smiled. “Rationally, I know that. But this love thing... it’s something that I’ve only shared with you, and, now and then, a little bit of self-doubt creeps in, and... when that happens, I could use reassurance, too.”

“I... I never would have thought... you don’t have to worry about that, Tobias. You're the love of my life, and I want this to last forever."

“I do, too," He smiled and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “So why don’t we talk to each other when we’re feeling a little off? We’re a team now, remember? We can work through anything as a team."

Casey nodded, feeling the weight lifting from her shoulders. “Yes, we can. And I promise to talk to you instead of letting things eat at me in the future.”

“That’s all I ask,” he replied, pulling her into a comforting embrace. “We’ve got a great thing, kid. We’ll get through this; I know we will.”

She rested her head on his shoulder, feeling nothing but warmth in his embrace. “So, what’s your opinion on this love thing?” she asked with a little grin.

“Heh,” he chuckled. “It’s wild... a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but honestly, it’s the best thrill of my life. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

“It is like a rollercoaster,” she agreed. “But you know what my favorite part of rollercoasters is? The way we hold on tight and don’t let go.”

A bright grin spread across his face, and he held Casey as close as he could. “Trust me, sweetheart,” he whispered. “I will never, ever let go.”

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately.

[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.

[storyofmychoices]

Harmony of Hearts

Pairings: Bryce x Olivia, Ethan x Merida (@lilyoffandoms), Tobias x Casey (@jerzwriter) Book: Open Heart Word Count:>800 Rating/Warnings: general (only warning is bad song writing, I'm not a song writer 🤷‍♀️)

Synopsis: Tobias, Ethan, and Bryce surprise the ladies with a song they wrote for them.

"Not so fast, Ramsey–" Tobias's arm shot out in front of the head of diagnostics, blocking his path to the door.

"We all agreed to this," Bryce added, folding his arms as he leaned against the wall, a playful smirk playing on his features. "For what it's worth, I think you sound good."

The blue-eyed doctor's brows narrowed, and his lips pulled into a frown, although the corner of his lips betrayed the sentiment. "It's not too late to book a spa weekend."

"You know this will mean more. And, isn't today about celebrating them?" Tobias turned Ethan back toward the living room. Bryce followed closely behind as Tobias led the way, keeping Ethan trapped between them.

The guys gathered together, each holding a worn piece of paper as they stood in front of the couch where the girls had gathered. Their light-hearted conversation quieted as their attention curiously shifted. 

"It was your idea, Lahela—" Tobias nudged him forward. "Would you like to do the honors?

Warmly, Bryce stepped closer, his eyes filled with warm affection for his wife and their friends. "Today is not just any day—it's a day dedicated to celebrating the strength, grace, and brilliance of women around the world, but we couldn't let it pass without expressing our love for the incredible women in our lives."

Ethan's stoic expression softened to offer a nod of agreement with his colleague's words.

Bryce continued, picking up the ukulele that had been lying on the coffee table. "So, we've prepared a little something for you."

"It might not be Grammy-worthy," Ethan added, attempting to lower any expectations. "Songwriting wasn't covered at Hopkins."

Tobias couldn't resist a teasing grin, his eyes sparkling as he glanced at Casey. "Don't expect Taylor Swift-level lyric writing or an Era's tour performance. No outfit changes here! We're more like... 'shower karaoke on a Tuesday' level."

Casey shot Tobias a playful smirk, crossing her arms as she relaxed on the comfy couch. "Well, if it's shower karaoke on a Tuesday, then I expect nothing less than a chart-topping hit."

Bryce skillfully strummed the ukulele strings, each note resonating with a gentle warmth, the instrument itself echoing the affection he felt for Olivia. He nodded to Tobias, signaling he was up.

With a confident grin, Tobias cleared his throat, placing his paper on the end table. He knew the words well enough. His voice, smooth and melodic, filled the room:

🎶 "In a world of puzzles and diagnostic charts,

Casey, you're the melodic beat in my heart.

With your brilliance and laughter, you light up the day,

Here's a little song to say, 'I love you' in my own way."🎶

Casey's eyes sparkled with delight. She had always loved his voice when he sang along to songs they loved, but to have him write this for her—it was something altogether different, something she couldn't believe how much she needed (and now wanted more)

Ethan was next. He carefully adjusted his tie before stepping forward. The world-renowned physician wasn't used to such nerves. His fingers trembled slightly, holding the paper tightly in his hands. His gaze flickered between it and Merida.

🎶 "Merida, my love, you were once a mystery to me,

But in your eyes, now, all the answers I see.

Your brilliance and grace cannot be denied

My love for you, I could never hide."🎶

Merida, usually composed, had a soft smile drawing on her lips. She reached for Ethan's hand, squeezing in gratitude. "I love you," she mouthed the words quietly. His thumb brushed over her fingers.

Bryce looked at Olivia, his warmed with affection for her. His gentle touch on the ukulele continued:

🎶 "Olivia, my partner in this life's beautiful dance,

In the realm of hearts, you're my favorite chance.

With a scalpel in my hand, and every healing word,

It's our symphony of love, forever to be heard." 🎶

Olivia's eyes misted at the beautiful song. Her hands clasped over her heart as she marveled at the men and their song as they continued:

🎶 "Hand in hand, through thick and thin,

Together we stand, let the melody begin.

For the women we cherish, our hearts take flight, 

In the symphony of life, you're our greatest delight.

To Casey, Merida, and Olivia so dear,

With love, laughter, and the occasional tear.

With this song for you, our voices combine,

Forever grateful, forever thine." 🎶

The simple melody filled the room and the hearts of the girls. Olivia, Casey, and Merida exchanged surprised glances. Their initial amusement at the idea of them writing a song turned into genuine appreciation.

"Never again," Ethan grumbled to Tobias.

"We'll see about that," he offered with a wink. "Thursday's Karaoke night—I already signed us up!" 

Their conversation was cut short as Casey, Merida, and Olivia showered them with praise, offering each their own affections of gratitude for the thoughtful gesture and the words of admiration they'd forever hold dear.

[openheartfanfics]

Newly Added Fics

Jul 6 - 12, 2024

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

Bryce x F!MC

A Text of Reassurance - @storyofmychoices 📱

Olivia is feeling a little insecure so she texts Casey hoping to get some reassurance. Feat. Tobias Carrick x F!MC

Ethan x F!MC

Scratching the Itch - @cariantha 🦚Ⓜ

Sexual tension builds between Ethan and Sawyer in the weeks following their trip to Miami. [1.13]

Part 2

Kyra Santana

Beautiful Day - @liaromancewriter 🦚

When Kyra feels sorry for herself, a friend changes her perspective. Feat. F!MC

Rafael x F!MC

How Will I Live Without You - @rafasgirl23415 🎭🛸

Casey is finally in her final weeks of pregnancy as she faces the prospect of giving birth without Raf by her side.

Part 1

Tobias x F!MC

Anticipation - @alj4890 ☁

Tobias and Chris are about to have the first member of their family. [Domestic; Pregnancy]

Elmo's Special Visit - @storyofmychoices ☁

Olivia has two special guests join her in the Peds Ward! Feat. F!OC [Platonic]

Game On - @alj4890 ☁

It would take a lot to get Chris this violent, like, say, someone not only manipulating her but also hooking up with a doctor she's fallen for. Feat. June Hirata [2.8]

Movie? What Movie? - @jerzwriter ☁

Tobias & Casey are officially together and happy to be out in the open... but does that leave anyone safe? Join them on date night and find out.

Oops - @alj4890 ☁

Chris gets unexpected news. [3.10; Pregnancy]

Special Delivery - @jerzwriter ☁

Tobias is the first one home, and when the lights go out, he accidentally opens the wrong package, and he's in for quite a surprise.

The Dinner Party - @alj4890 ☁

Tobias invites the Diagnostics team for dinner.

You Heard, What! - @alj4890 ☁

When Tobias overhears something interesting, he goes directly to the one person he can tease.

Other Tobias Fics

Summer Haze - @jerzwriter ☁

Tobias Carrick wasn't known for taking relationships seriously - at this stage of his life - he was there for a good time, not for a long time. Feat. F!OC [Young Tobias]

_

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

[choicesficwriterscreations]

Open Heart F/AotW: May 19 - 25, 2024

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

BRYCE LAHELA

Bryce Lahela 🎨 | @storyofmychoices

Bryce pushing Olivia on a swing on a beautiful spring day 🎨 | Bryce Lahela x F!MC - @storyofmychoices

Dance With Me 🎨 | Bryce Lahela x F!MC - artbyainna (IG) C: @storyofmychoices

ETHAN RAMSEY

Bear of a Problem 📱 | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @jerzwriter

Crescendo ✒️Ⓜ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @coffeeheartaddict2

Miracles ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter

RAFAEL AVEIRO

Moving On (Series) ✒️ | Rafael Aveiro x F!MC - @rafasgirl23415 Chapter 45: Our Darling Baby Girl Chapter 46: In Our Baby Bubble

TOBIAS CARRICK

A Kiss & A Promise ✒️ | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter

Grizzly Facts 📱 | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter

Mostly Pleasant Surprises (Series) ✒️ | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter Chapter 3: The Best Laid Plans

Main F/AtoW List: May 19 - 25, 2024

[liaromancewriter]

Have a Punny Day

Premise: Cassie and Tobias go overboard with food puns.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Tobias Carrick, F!MC (Cassie Valentine); feat. Ethan Ramsey Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 800

A/N: One of the readers on AO3 asked once if I'd consider writing a Tobias and Cassie interaction, similar to the food puns chapter in book 3. This fic is inspired by that ask. Submission for @choicesmaychallenge24 prompt 'mania' for the use of too many puns and uncontrollable laughter. 😂

Cassie Valentine was run off her feet. As a third-year resident and junior fellow at Boston’s prestigious Edenbrook Hospital, her free time was increasingly being squeezed ahead of graduation. Suddenly, it seemed as if the faculty was determined to dump all their knowledge onto departing minds.

That would have been helpful when she was a clueless intern three years ago. But now, after working with Ethan Ramsey on the most complex medical cases and performing hundreds of procedures, she no longer needed to know when arterial was preferred over central venous line placement.

She scarfed down a banana she’d grabbed from the breakroom between patients and wished it was a chocolate bar instead. What possessed her to give up chocolate for Lent?

Max, that’s what. The bastard had dared her, and she’d fallen for his sneaky insinuations like the gullible idiot she was.

Swallowing down the last bite of the slightly mushy fruit, she disposed of the peel and headed toward the north elevator bank. The buzzing of her pager with a message to report to the Diagnostic Team office had her changing directions.

A short while later, she swiped the access card and rushed into the glass-walled office, breathless from her dash up three flights of stairs.

“Whoa. Cake it easy, Valentine,” Tobias Carrick called out in alarm from the conference table, forking up a chocolate cake.

Cassie watched him in bemusement. “Did you just say ‘cake’ it easy?”

“Oops. Must have had cake on my mind.” He toasted her with his fork, going back for seconds.

Cassie shrugged, joining him at the round conference table. “I’m a layer back kind of person, Carrick.”

Tobias grinned wolfishly. “Well, you’re butter than me.”

He saw her staring hungrily at the cake and pushed the plate toward her. “It’s Maureen’s birthday. I managed to confiscate this from the nurses’ lounge— with great difficulty, I might add. If they find out, I’m in dip chip.”

Cassie snorted at the pun. “What’s life without a few whisks, right?”

Tobias chuckled. “A little cheesy, but grate effort. Here, I grabbed two forks.”

Shaking her head, she pushed the plate away. “Thanks, but my brother challenged me to give up something for Lent. In my not-so-infinite wisdom, I picked chocolate.”

“Yogurta be kidding me!” His mouth dropped open. “I didn’t peg you for being religious, especially with Ethan being agnostic.”

“Anything’s pastable.” Cassie laughed, amused at the hypothetical scenario of Ethan going to church with her. “Besides, it’s not about religion——and if you tell my mother I said that, you’re a dirty, rotten liar,” she warned with a steely-eyed look, pretending to crack her knuckles for effect.

“Max just knows how to push my gumdrop buttons, and we made a bet. I’m not giving him the satisfaction of rolling in the dough,” she added with a secret relish.

Tobias raised his eyebrows. “If you’ve given up chocolate, you must feel pretty desserted.”

“Tell you what.” He pushed his chair back and picked up the paper plate. “Consider this a gesture of my friend-chip.”

So saying, he walked out the sliding glass doors and dumped the rest of the cake into the trashcan outside.

“You’re one in a melon, Tobias,” Cassie said, her lips curled in a friendly smile. “Donut let anyone tell you otherwise.”

“And another one bites the crust.” Tobias winked lasciviously, his voice dropping into a familiar flirtatious tone. “Knew my charm would rub off on you one of these days, Cassie. Admit it. I’ve got you wonton more.”

“Oh, beet it, Carrick!” Cassie burst into laughter, throwing her head backward.

Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes as she tried to still the laughter, but it was a losing battle as Tobias joined her, his deeper chuckles mingling with her lighter ones.

When Ethan and Baz Mirani walked into the diagnostic team’s office a few minutes later, they came to a standstill and stared perplexed. The other half of the team was doubled over in their chairs; bodies wracked in uncontrollable laughter.

“Have you noticed how unruly the team has become since Carrick joined us?” Ethan mused, raising an eyebrow as he glanced from Cassie to Tobias.

Baz folded his arms, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Well, we could use a break from the usual grind of life and death.”

“I’ll never understand how one person can cause such chaos,” Ethan shook his head, crossing the carpeted floor to stand at the front of the conference table.

Noticing the others had joined them, Cassie and Tobias slowly collected themselves. Their laughter died down to occasional chuckles as they shared one final amused glance before turning to give their attention to Ethan, the levity of the moment settling into a comfortable workday hum.

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

All Fics & Edits: @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @jerzwriter @lady-calypso

@mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16

@justyourusualash @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan & Cassie only: @cariantha @custaroonie @youlookappropriate

[choices-ceri]

Ethan x MC this... Tobias x MC that... when you're all missing the obvious solution which is a polyamorous relationship.