#ethan x mc

[jamespotterthefirst]

OMG THERE IS A BARBIE PICREW MAKER

PLEASE MAKE YOUR MCS/OCS AND REBLOG THIS WITH THEM I WANT TO SEE THEM ALL 🩷

[cariantha]

Talk is Cheap (2/2)

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: General Warning: Mentions of pregnancy Category: AU; Angst (with a happy ending) Word count: 2.7K Prompt: What would have been the outcome if Sawyer had discovered that she was pregnant whilst Ethan was in the Amazon? A/N: The theme song for this fic is “Go Get Her” by Restless Road.

Part One

It took Sawyer two days and ten chewed up fingernails to work up the courage to call. And it took three unanswered calls to realize that her heart wasn’t done breaking. 

“Ethan, it’s Sawyer. Please call me as soon as you get this message. I really need to talk to you.”

Ethan listened to the message several times. There were only two possible reasons for her call: something was wrong, or she wanted to talk about them. The only clue he had, her shaky and hesitant voice, was not enough to go on. Worried that weeks of strategic silence and self-inflicted loneliness would be for nothing, he determined that the safest course of action was to call his mentor. Speaking to Naveen would rule out several of the “something wrong” scenarios that were racing through his anxious mind. 

Ring, ring. “Hello, Ethan. It has been a while,” Naveen answered. The two hadn’t spoken since the video call that ended with Sawyer darting away from his office in tears.

“Naveen. How are you? How have you been feeling?”

“I’m fine, son.” 

“Did you have your check-up with Baz this month?”

“I did. My labs were normal.”

“Good… that’s good… uh, how’s the team?”

“They are managing quite well, and June is taking full advantage of her time at the helm,” Naveen chuckled.

“I don’t doubt it. And the interns? Have they killed anyone while I’ve been away?”

“The interns?” Ethan’s attempt at small talk was already suspicious, but asking about the interns was a dead giveaway. “Or one in particular?” Naveen pressed. 

Giving up his pretense, Ethan confessed, “She left me a vague message. I was concerned that something had happened. That one of you might be sick or hurt.”

“I think it’s safe to say she’s hurt, Ethan,” Naveen challenged. 

“You know that’s not what I meant. Is she okay? Has there been any more backlash from the trial? Has Nash been harassing her?”

An exasperated Naveen sighed, “I don’t know the reason for her call, Ethan. And even if I did, I would tell you to speak with her yourself. Tell me, how are you planning to work together if you’re not on speaking terms?”

“Our relationship will return to that of a strictly professional one. Working together on your case, sharing that secret… the lines got blurred and I let things go too far. It was the result of heightened stress and frequent exposure to-”

“Bullshit,” Naveen interjected.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. We both know if that’s all it was, you wouldn’t have bothered to call me. You wouldn’t care this much. Now, swallow your pride like that over-priced whiskey you drink and call her.”

<><><><><><><><><><>

The following day, Sawyer stood outside of Naveen’s office. “Hi Danielle, any chance the chief has some free time in the next day or two?”

“Let me check his schedule, Dr. Brooks,” the assistant answered, clicking her computer mouse.

“Sawyer? Is that you out there?” Naveen called from inside his office. “Come on in.”

Sawyer offered a thankful smile to Danielle and then stepped into Naveen’s office, closing the door behind her. “Thanks for giving me a few minutes.”

“I can always spare a few for my grand-mentee.” He gestured to one of the seats in front of his desk. “What’s on your mind, dear?”

Sawyer took a grounding breath, then proceeded. “A lot actually. I, uh…” She paused, nervously biting her bottom lip. Then as if ripping off a Band-Aid, she came right out with it. “What is the policy for taking a leave of absence? And if I did, how would that impact my fellowship?”

Naveen pursed his lips, mentally diagnosing the situation. “Well, that depends on the type of leave being requested.”

Sawyer hung her head for a moment, and when she looked up, her eyes were glassy. “Maternity leave.” 

He followed her eyes when they shifted to a picture displayed on the hutch behind him, confirming his suspicion. Naveen hoped that Ethan had taken his advice last night. With a sympathetic air, he leaned forward and folded his hands. "Does he know?"

She shook her head and bit her lips, trying to prevent the spill of tears. “He hasn’t returned my calls," she finally managed.

“I’m so sorry, dear. Is there anything you need? Anything I can do for you?”

Sawyer reached for a tissue. “I just need to know what my options are.”

He nodded.

“And if it comes to it… the process for transferring my residency.”

He couldn’t help the frown on his face. “Of course.” A short while later, with a hug and another offer of support, Naveen said goodbye to Sawyer. 

"Danielle, would you mind letting Dr. Cyrus know that I am running a few minutes behind?" Closing his door for privacy, he retrieved his phone from the pocket of his white lab coat.

Later that night, in his tiny studio apartment in Atalaya, Peru, Ethan sat on the edge of the bed and scrolled through his phone contacts. He stared at Sawyer’s profile picture for a long while, gathering the strength to stay firm in his resolve, while also preparing for the worst. If she was sick, he would call in every favor he was owed. If she was moving on with someone new, he would hate it, but wouldn’t interfere with her happiness. If she was quitting… leaving… he would break. 

With his thumb hovering over the call button, he was startled when the phone pinged. Tapping on the notification, he read the incoming lines of text and quickly realized that he had not anticipated this scenario.

In her bedroom in her Boston apartment, Sawyer paced back and forth. The word “Read” appeared after the last line of her text message and she anxiously chewed on her thumbnail waiting for any kind of response. Preferably a call, but she would settle for three bouncing dots and a few lines of text. A half hour later, accepting the silence as his response, she powered off her phone and tossed it aside. Curling up in her bed, she cried herself to sleep.

In those same thirty minutes, Ethan stared at the sonogram picture and choked back tears. His knee bounced up and down nervously, carefully considering what to say and do to make things right. When he finally pushed the green call button, he immediately heard her voice on the other end of the line. “Hi there, you’ve reached Sawyer. Leave me a message.” He redialed several more times, but each time it went straight to voicemail. “Dammit!”

Ethan stood and raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. He spun around taking in his humble surroundings, considering his current obligations. “To hell with it.” After calling for a ride, he tossed his phone on the bed and began shoving his belongings into his open suitcase.

An hour later, from the backseat of a taxi, Ethan made another call. “Dr. Stehl, it’s Ethan Ramsey. I’m sorry to do this, but something has come up back home in Boston. A family emergency. I’m on my way to the airport now…”

After twenty-four hours of cramped bus rides and connecting flights, and a quick stop at home to freshen up, Ethan stood outside of Sawyer’s apartment door. Taking a deep, calming breath first, he knocked.

Elijah greeted him a half minute later. “Dr. Ramsey? I didn’t know you were back.”

“Yes, just. Is Sawyer here?”

Elijah moved backward and gestured for him to enter, assuming that Sawyer was already expecting him. It wouldn’t have been the first time she entertained Dr. Ramsey in their apartment, after all. It would also explain why she passed on going to Donahue’s with the other roommates for “Ladies Night” half-priced drinks. “She’s in her room. You remember which one, right?”

Ethan nodded. “Thank you.”

“By the way, I like the beard,” Elijah remarked, closing the door. “Maybe I should try to grow one so my patients won’t think I’m fifteen anymore.” 

“Hmph,” Ethan huffed in amusement as he moved deeper into the quiet apartment. 

He inhaled and exhaled slowly before gently knocking on the last door at the end of the hall, the door to Sawyer’s room. Though light emanated from underneath the door, there was no answer. He knocked again, and when she still didn’t answer, he carefully turned the doorknob and peeked inside. 

Sawyer was fast asleep, hugging a pillow close to her body.

Quietly shutting the door behind him, he softly padded to the side of her bed and carefully sat on the edge. Her laptop lay open behind her. On the screen, an application for residency at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, which made Ethan’s stomach sink.

Odds were she hated him at this point. Despite the risk, he reached out to touch her. Tenderly skimming his fingers along her hairline, he brushed a few loose strands out of the way. “Sawyer,” he quietly said her name. When he repeated it, she finally began to stir and then opened her eyes.

Shocked, she bolted upright and backed away, nearly knocking her laptop to the floor. “W-what are you doing here?” she asked, trying to get her bearings. 

“I came to talk. To apologize. To try to make things right.”

“Ethan, I–”

Sensing her distrust, “Please, give me a chance,” he implored. “I know I don’t deserve it, but will you please hear me out?” When she didn’t protest, he continued.

“I have been so selfish, Sawyer. When Naveen appointed you to the diagnostics team, I feared a scandal if people discovered we were together, especially with the ethics trial still fresh in people’s minds. I could never, in good conscience, put you in a position like that. You worked so hard and earned this fellowship. It’s a rare opportunity that I don’t want to get in the way of.” His eyes begged for understanding. “Please believe me when I say this… I want to be with you. So much so that I considered stepping down as team leader. Hell, I even considered resigning from the team altogether.” He ran his hand through his hair and took a deep breath. “As much as I care for you, Sawyer, I couldn’t give it up. I have spent my entire career preparing to one day fill Naveen’s shoes. It’s all I’ve ever wanted, until you. But everything between us happened so fast. It was still so new-”

“Ethan, I would never expect you to make that kind of sacrifice. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if you did,” Sawyer firmly cut in.

“I know, Rookie, and that’s why I told myself the only way forward was as colleagues, and nothing more.” He made a point of looking her in the eye. “But the problem is we’ve never just been colleagues, have we. There’s always been something more between us. I took advantage of the distance, hoping that if we cut ties for a while, the connection would fade and make it easier to leave what we had in the past.” 

Sawyer shook her head in frustration. 

“You don’t have to say it. I can probably guess what you’re thinking,” Ethan acknowledged.

“That you’re an idiot?” she quipped.

“Yes, and you’d be right to think so. I had convinced myself it was a solid plan. As long as we still worked together, I would still get to see and talk to my best friend without the constant worry of holding you back or jeopardizing your career.” Sawyer followed when he tipped his head to the laptop screen behind her. “Knowing how badly you wanted to be at Edenbrook, and how hard you fought for the fellowship, I hadn’t considered the possibility that you would leave. When you said you might move back to Arizona, I realized my plan backfired.” 

Ethan gave her a moment to process.

“Why didn’t you call or write me back after I told you about the baby?” she demanded an answer.

"I know this will be hard to believe, but I swear I was just about to call you when I got your text. You can blame me for a lot, but you can’t blame me for the sudden shock of learning that I was going to be a father. It took me a while to catch my breath and find my words. When I finally got my shit together, I tried calling. Several times. But I kept getting your voicemail.” Ethan absent-mindedly stretched his hand toward her. “Sawyer, we both know words without action are meaningless. You mean so much to me and-”

“You have a real shitty way of showing it,” she interjected.

"And I'm here now because I want to change that. You deserve better than a phone call, and certainly more than a text message. You, Rookie, have the unnerving ability to read me like an open book. I want you to be able to look into my eyes and see the truth in my words when I tell you how I feel."

Protectively clutching her pillow to her chest, she braced herself. “And how do you feel?”

“About you?” he paused, his eyes darting between hers. “I am hopelessly in love with you, Sawyer Brooks.” 

She swallowed, nervously anticipating his next words. 

“How do I feel about this baby?” He sighed softly. “I’ll be honest, I never pictured myself settling down or having a family. I’ve spent the last twenty-four hours on buses and planes alone with my thoughts, and they were consumed with the idea of becoming a father. For the first time in my life, Sawyer, I could picture it… a family of my own... but only because you were with me in that dream. And I’m worried that I’ve fucked it all up.”

Overcome with emotion, Sawyer hid her face with her hands and sobbed.

“Sawyer?” 

“Arrrrrgh,” she growled into her hands before lowering them. “I’m still furious with you… I’m not sure where we go from here… how to trust that you won’t walk away again.” She wiped her tears away. “But I guess we have a lot to figure out…” she said, her voice cracking, “because despite myself, I’m still in love with you, too.”

A wave of relief washed over Ethan. There was hope, even if the space between them made it feel like they were still on different continents.       

“How are you feeling?” he asked, looking her over.

“I’ve had a little morning sickness, but mostly I'm exhausted.” She opened her mouth to say more but stopped herself. 

“What is it?” 

Her bottom lip quivered when she continued. “I’m scared to death.” 

Ethan gently removed the pillow barrier and drew her near. “Come here.” He pressed a kiss to her temple and murmured, "It will be okay."

“You’ve said that before,” she mumbled into his chest.

He pulled back to look her in the eyes. “I’m sorry for letting you down before. I know that it will take time to earn back your trust. But I promise you, Sawyer, I’m here for you… for both of you. You can count on me,” he assured, his fingers twining with hers. “I will be the man... the partner… that you need me to be.”

They held onto each other in comforting silence for several minutes.

“I missed you, Asshole,” she whispered, then lifted her head to really look at him. 

Ethan smiled. “I missed you, too, Rookie. Every minute of every day that I was away.”

Sawyer ran her hand over his scruffy beard, then over the soft leather of his jacket. “We’ve got ourselves a brand new Ethan Ramsey,” she assessed.

“This jacket’s been through a lot with me.” 

“It suits you.”

Scratching his cheek, “And the beard?”

She studied him for a moment, then with the playful smile that he had missed so terribly, she teased, “You look like a dad.” 

Seven months later…

Ethan stared in awe at the carefully wrapped bundle his wife held in her arms. The newborn’s tiny hand wrapped around the tip of his finger. Without letting go, he carefully nestled next to his wife on the hospital bed. Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he leaned in and pressed an appreciative kiss to her temple. When he pulled back, she turned to him with a smile, soliciting another kiss but this time on her lips.  

“I love you. How are you feeling?” he asked.

Before she could respond, there was a gentle knock on the door. Two older men bearing flowers, balloons, and teddy bears quietly entered. While the silver-haired man exchanged cheek kisses with Sawyer, the dark-haired man in the sweater vest moved to the other side of the bed and placed a hand on Ethan’s shoulder.

“Dad. Naveen. Let me introduce you to your grandson,” Ethan announced. “Brooks Winter Ramsey.”

[liaromancewriter]

It Happened One Miami Night (1/?)

Series Premise: A work trip to Miami means finally accepting that some risks are worth taking. Or are they?

Fandom: Choices Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Angsty Fluff Words: 1,045

Series Masterlist

A/N: The long awaited Miami series! I think this might be 3 or 4 parts, but I'm not sure yet. For Ethan's POV at the airport, read my old (and overly indulgent) fic: Out of Control.

Submission to @choicesmonthlychallenge March dialogue prompt: "We're running out of time."

The ballgown had to go. There was no other choice. Besides, Cassie Valentine reasoned, she was going to a conference, not a white-tie gala.

She’d bought the dress on impulse when she saw it in a boutique on Newbury Street. It matched the heirloom necklace her parents gifted her when she graduated from medical school. But galas and the intern lifestyle didn’t exactly mix, and the dress had gathered dust in her closet until now.

Cassie stared at the clothes, shoes and other essentials she’d stuffed into the small carry-on case that lay unzipped and open atop her bed. Carefully adjusting the garment bag so as not to crush the beautiful midnight blue gown, she tucked the ends in and wondered if she could close and zip the bag without applying pressure.

They were likely flying coach, as that’s what most people did, which meant packing the bare minimum. Unfortunately, she had never learned the art of packing light and didn’t think Dr. Ramsey was patient enough to wait for her checked luggage to roll off the carousal.

He might just leave her at the airport to find her own way to the hotel right after giving her the patented Ramsey glare. The man was infuriatingly predictable like that.

Huffing in frustration, Cassie threw herself on the bed and stared at the ceiling. It was bad enough that she had to be at the airport in a few hours, but the worst was that she’d had an extraordinarily long shift with barely time to eat dinner.

Anyway, she consoled herself. She’d likely be stuck inside dark meeting rooms taking notes and playing assistant all weekend, not enjoying cocktails by the pool.

Dr. Ramsey hadn’t said anything about her accompanying him to receptions and parties that were par for the course at these conventions. As far as the medical community was concerned, she was a nobody.

Cassie was honest enough to admit she was ambivalent about this trip. Despite her bravado in front of Sienna and the “girl can dream” comment, spending time alone with Ethan Ramsey away from the hospital was not good for her resolution to stay away from him.

He was dangerous to her heart. Tall, dark, and handsome, he had laser-blue eyes that made her insides melt whenever he directed them her way. He was an attending and a world-famous diagnostician, while she was a lowly intern who still had trouble believing in herself.

Workplace romances were often treacherous for women, even more so when the man was her superior. That lesson had been ingrained in her brain from the moment she got her first job. Her father had taught her to spot the signs and avoid putting herself in a situation where the lines could be crossed.

They could never work, and it could ruin her career before she’d truly begun. If she thought otherwise, she was dreaming.

So, why did the impossibility of it all make her unbearably sad?

Feeling the long day catch up with her, she closed her eyes briefly. Just five minutes, she told herself, letting out a loud yawn. Five minutes to rest her busy brain, and then she’d finish getting her stuff ready for tomorrow.

She woke up hugging the sides of the carry-on and the sound of an alarm blaring in the quiet. She started to fling her arm to hit the snooze button, but her eyes snapped open.

Crap, crap, crap. She’d fallen asleep. What time was it?

Cassie grabbed her phone off the nightstand, blinked to clear sleep from her eyes and then yelped before hurriedly swinging her legs off the bed. She needed to haul ass or forever put up with Dr. Ramsey’s snide remarks about missing their flight.

An hour later, she ran down the terminal, the wheels of her carry-on case rattling behind her. She scanned gate numbers and sweated bullets as the overhead announcer warned that it was the last call for the flight to Miami.

Cassie skidded to a halt outside their gate, an apology hovering on her lips as Ethan took off his eyeglasses and checked his watch.

“Five more seconds, and I’d have boarded without you.”

She couldn’t tell from his expression if he was angry or just resigned at her lateness. His tone was entirely too casual for her to decide.

“I won’t happen again!” Cassie said, gulping oxygen and ignoring the stitch in her side. The mad dash across the airport caught up with her.

Ethan quirked one eyebrow. “You think I’ll be inviting you to medical conferences often, do you?”

It was such an on-brand response that Cassie couldn’t help but grin. “Fingers crossed?”

He rolled his eyes, but the wide, easy smile showed her he wasn’t offended by her sass. “Oh for goodness’ sake, let’s board already. We’re running out of time.”

He handed his boarding pass to the gate attendant and waited off to the side while Cassie did the same. Just before they entered the jetway, she absently glanced at the light snow falling on the tarmac outside.

“Sunshine and clear blue skies, here we come,” she murmured to herself before following him down the jetway.

Unwittingly, her eyes fell on his well-toned ass and thighs clad in dark jeans, and her throat became dry. Oh, boy!

He’s not for you, and this is a bad idea. Cassie repeated the words like a mantra as they neared the aircraft's open door and the flight attendants waiting to greet them.

Half an hour later, his cologne hit her senses, and she held her breath to stop herself from sniffing him. Instead, she turned away from his profile to watch the dark clouds outside the window as the plane left Boston behind.

This is madness. Stop it, she scolded herself as they companionably settled in for the long flight after a hearty breakfast. She nervously fiddled with the in-flight entertainment screen while ignoring Ethan, who was too engrossed in his book to pay her any attention.

His nearness was like a drug, and she was growing addicted. If she was going to leave Miami with her heart intact, she would have to resist the temptation. It was for the best. Some things really were not worth the risk.

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

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

[the-pale-goddess]

Vices & Virtues - Ethan Ramsey x MC

Dr. Ramsey's weaknesses don’t disturb his everyday life often, but when they do, a certain intern happens to always be involved.

Book: Open Heart, Intern Year (between Chapters 5 & 6)

Warnings: language, my rusty writing, a truckload of pining

Rating/Category: Teen+ / fluffy angst

Author’s note: [insert the ‘surprise, bitch’ & 'it's been 84 years' reaction GIFs]

I’m eternally grateful for the very few angels still waiting for new E&T content—this one’s for you 🫶🏻 Hope you’ll find a moment to read my word vomit and enjoy the mess (aka my writing). I appreciate every comment and like more than words can convey!

Edenbrook is indigestible on Mondays. Though Ethan Ramsey doesn’t believe in whatever ‘curse’ humankind attributed to an absolutely random day, he cannot deny the madness that usually ensues upon the beginning of each week. An inexplicable air of post-weekend malaise does tend to envelop the globe, and Boston is no lucky exception.

“Mondays suck!”

Striding across the hustly-bustly pediatric ward, Doctor Ramsey overhears an agitated boy explicitly expressing his annoyance.

Ethan’s Monday has been a doozy of a day as well, but he’d rather keep his troubles six feet under, preferably in concrete. Nevertheless, a drop of sympathy implores him to stop near the patient’s room and watch the scene unfold at a safe distance.

The child blows a raspberry at the nurse preparing him for a corridor-long wheelchair ride, clearly upset about the surgery he’s being taken to.

A heavy sigh followed by the unmistakable giggle of a certain copper-haired radiologist interrupts Ethan’s first break during today’s demanding shift.

“It’s not Monday, kid. It’s just your life.” Doctor Herbert whispers into Ethan’s ear, a large cup of raspberry tea in her hand. “But at least it’s going to be all rainbows and candy again in three weeks.”

Meanwhile, the situation has escalated quickly: a river of tears streams down the young Monday-hater's cheeks now, his concerned mother shooting pleading looks between her shuddering offspring and the strict nurse trying to efficiently finish the task so she could move on with her hectic schedule.

A pang of dejection pierces Ethan all of a sudden when a long-forgotten fragment of the past he buried flashes through his mind. Before its splinters reopen old wounds, he swiftly pushes the unwanted memory back to the unexplored depths of his psyche.

“I don’t think he’s heard you.”

“Gee, Doctor Ramsey, share some of that cheerful attitude with the rest of us!” Liz nudges his side, almost spilling her hot beverage on his foot. She mouths an apology, but his unimpressed gaze falls elsewhere.

“You wouldn’t even know what to do with it.”

“Thank God your interns still haven’t caught that grumpiness you’re suffering from.”

“No need to worry, it’s not contagious.” He gives a dismissive wave of his hand, partially to announce his departure, then continues the journey to his primary destination: the harmonious sanctuary of his private office.

As soon as the elevator door closes behind Ethan, the confined space becomes his temporary resort. He takes a deep breath, rubbing his sunken, aweary eyes to relieve the tension—an aching remnant of the sleepless night. The exhaustion begins to mess with his senses, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary; permanent fatigue has been his steadfast companion for more than a decade of his career as a doctor.

There’s a crack in that orderly, borderline clinical life of his, as big as a closed fist, and he’s slowly beginning to realize its detrimental consequences.

But none of that matters now.

What matters is that his desperate efforts to bend Naveen’s stubbornness weren’t in vain; there’s still hope—a notion Ethan isn’t exactly on board with, but he puts his trust in science, and beyond any doubt science will point him in the right direction. As long as there’s time, he’ll do whatever it takes to save his mentor, his friend. He’s confident he can do it, he’s capable of diagnosing and curing whichever mysterious illness keeps Naveen captive.

He’s the only one who can do it.

A double shot of deep roasted espresso shall help this cause. Or, at the very least, make his Monday slightly more endurable.

Loud metallic thud followed by a streak of bright fluorescent lighting annunciates the arrival. Empty, windowless corridor welcomes his nostrils with the odious mixture of staleness and antiseptic, typical of the office wing on the sixth floor. He operates on autopilot, mindlessly trudging ahead, marginally consoled by the aura of eerie quietude. Blissfully oblivious to what the so-called Manic Monday has prepared for him next.

All his rational thought and peerless logic evaporate into thin air the second his drowsy gaze zooms in on the old waiting room under renovation currently withheld by the recent budget cuts. Within its hoary walls, a familiar sylphlike figure catches his eye, unwittingly staking her claim to his undivided attention.

Ethan’s dire need of coffee has vanished as well; he’s wide awake now.

Smiling to herself, a sense of pride evident in the alluring dimples carved into her cheeks, Doctor Addams arranges a stack of papers atop a massive couch protected by thin plastic sheet.

Ethan acknowledges that he must ignore the tempest raging inside his chest, but he’s unable to focus on anything else other than the energy she exudes, luring him in like a siren’s song.

This isn’t the first time the infamous Doctor Terminator is utterly powerless in the face of her—the most intriguing mystery he’s tempted to unravel for some godforsaken, unfathomable reason.

Everything he knows about Tiffany Addams has been collateral damage from their close proximity and the isolating nature of their work. Against better judgment, Ethan has stored every single crumb of information thrown at him, like it’s a treasure guarded in the vault of his mind, acquiring new pieces and adding them to this clandestine collection.

With certainty, there’s a new element behind that glass wall, ready to be studied in secret.

As though pulled by a magnet, his feet carry him towards the room while Ethan shuffles through a myriad of excuses plausible enough to start a conversation. A good excuse, however, requires an elaborate background story, supported by a carefully planned follow-up—both of which clearly out of his reach at the moment.

Fully aware of the possible disaster awaiting inside, Ethan steps into the room quietly, leaning against the doorframe with arms crossed over his chest. A sophisticated scent of sultry vanilla wrapped with notes of luminous lavender pervades the space, handily smothering the musty odor of the old hospital furniture stored here for at least a year.

Heedless of his presence, Tiffany remains locked in her own bubble. She’s seated on the couch, browsing through a large leather bag with a lot of noise.

Long onyx locks neatly tamed in a sleek bun reveal the exquisitely sculpted contour of her features, its sharp edges so far removed from the overpowering warmth hiding in her sparkling emeralds and tenacious kindness dripping from the corners of her full mouth.

That stark contrast surely must be a part of her allure, he reckons. Not that there’s any evidence at his disposal—he’s her boss, for fuck’s sake. But the set of cardinal rules applying to the situation doesn’t stop him from looking, nor does it dilute the poison seeping from that singular contaminated thought…

Loud, treacherous voice snarls inside his mind like a beast at the gates of his sanity.

This isn’t staring, this is a comprehensive risk assessment.

Regardless of the pretext, watching her feels almost perverse, but he’s too transfixed to listen to his voice of reason hopelessly trying to redirect him to the path of impeccable propriety.

He can’t look away. Can’t move either. She'll notice him…Eventually.

Is that all he’s become? A disappointment, a fraud. One of the best diagnosticians of the generation, the esteemed Dr. Ethan Ramsey is consistently failing to do his job. His own mind appalls him—once the most treasured asset, his pride and joy, now compromised, useless, struggling to cut through the veil of his inappropriate longing.

Perhaps instead of triggering a spiral of destruction, he should address a more pressing matter: why is there a splotch of purple paint on her cheek?

Better late than never, his focus switches from Tiffany to the negligible surroundings. On her left, spread across the polythene-covered couch, lie a couple of ridiculously abstract drawings, colorful and confusing, each of them made with the skill and precision equal to a six-year-old if he has to guess.

Suddenly, it all clicks.

Along with his tongue.

The short clack doesn’t make her flinch, though she straightens immediately, a glimmer of surprise shining in her riveting eyes when she looks up at the intruder and deems him worthy of a smile. Her lush, rosy lips curl up generously, greeting him with a beam so dazzling his body heats up like bare skin kissed by the blazing midday sun in the middle of summer.

The older doctor doesn’t return the cordial gesture—he has a reputation to uphold and his bruised dignity to save. He quickly takes refuge in the shadow of his perfect decorum, dexterously covering the unjustifiable act of treason committed by his very own carnality.

Tiffany, however, is undeterred in her mission to melt his callous indifference with the disarming sincerity of her vivacious spirit.

“Before you drop your sarcastic grenades on me: no, I have not found my true calling elsewhere. I have not been slacking up either. These aren’t even mine, so insulting someone else’s artistic skills would be totally inappropriate.” Her hand waves over the drawings.

“I wouldn’t dare to insult a respected artist and credit you with their art.” He retorts flatly, then spills the aforementioned sarcasm like the Lord intended. “Early Pollock must cost a fortune or two. How come such rare artworks ended up in your possession?”

His comment inspires a peal of infectious laughter; the powerful melody of Tiffany’s unadulterated amusement conquers the room, all but obliterating the chronic sternness of Ethan’s face.

He cannot help but bask in the glory of this unexpected outcome: he’s the reason behind the glorious, velvety sound; she’s laughing because of him.

“You made a pretty solid assumption, Doctor Ramsey, but I have to disappoint you: early Pollock had an affair with surrealism and his style was way more compositional than this.” She points at the glittery mess splashed in the center of one of the pieces, not so subtly suppressing another wave of laughter.

Miss Addams and her irreplaceable wit painfully remind him of the golden rule he often pretends doesn’t concern his giant ego: do not speak on the topics your knowledge of is insufficient.

Lustrous vivid-green eyes fixed on him and the urgency he’s facing at the moment leave him no choice but to quickly shake off the embarrassment and adapt his reaction accordingly.

Reluctantly, Ethan clings to brutal honesty. “I’m not an art connoisseur, so I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.”

“Oh, trust me, you would.”

A smudge of amethyst retrieves the diagnostician’s attention for one split second, demanding a seamless change of topic.

“I presume you spent your lunch break on the pediatric ward again, trying to start a new art movement.”

Doctor Addams gasps theatrically and presses her slender fingers to her mouth, lowering her head slightly. “What gave me away?”

Ethan considers revealing the truth through another shot of bluntly delivered sarcasm (something he would have done in any other case), but his body betrays him, subconsciously drawing near Tiffany.

“Apart from the excited chatter on the second floor? Nothing.” He replies, straining to keep his impeccable composure just as she bites into her lower lip tantalizingly in what appears to be keen anticipation.

A few risky steps later she’s at his arm’s length, and he decides to measure that dangerously short distance; akin to an audience member of some ludicrous soap opera, the diagnostician observes his hand move towards the intern’s face in slow motion, as if that bloody limb wasn’t his and the falsely innocent intention swarming inside his incisive, virtuous mind filled him with repulsion.

Except he wants this. He needs to feel her.

Even though the mere ghost of an idea may bring his demise, he cannot break free, imprisoned by the torturous vision of her vanilla-scented skin gliding smoothly against his.

Much to his bewilderment, her breath quickens just as much as his; the evergreen forest in her eyes bursts into flames when their gazes meet, burning his hesitation down.

She wants this too.

Nothing could convince him to refrain from acting on this forbidden desire now, not a single reasonable thought seems to be charged with a cogent argument.

So he lets his thumb brush down her right cheek, down the lick of wet paint smeared across her warm skin, taking most of the dark purple off the silken canvas along the way.

The sky didn’t tear in half, there was no divine retribution exacted upon a sinner like him, no sign of punishment fit for his appalling misdeed.

“Nothing. At. All.”

Nothing but the silky smoothness of her face, rapid rise and fall of her shapely chest, and fiery heat searing through his veins…

Inevitably, the unbearable tension crackling between them dissipates in a flash when Tiffany snorts at the sight of his acrylic-stained thumb, a soundless ‘fuck’ escapes her mouth as she sprints to find a prompt solution for the paintmergency, stripping him of time to ponder on what the living hell just happened.

He takes advantage of the moment, immediately scolding himself, forcing his thoughts to flee from the crime scene concocted by his newly depraved brain.

“Must be your enviable instinct of an outstanding diagnostician then.” Cheeky as ever, she casts a playful eye over Ethan while rummaging through the drawers, summoning him to focus on her.

Within a long minute, she scuttles back to him, stretched arm offering one of the two pieces of paper towel sprayed with hand sanitizer. They use it to rub the paint off their skin. As soon as they’re done, Ethan quips back. Sort of.

“The balance between mockery and flattery is a bit too delicate to be used in a professional environment, don’t you agree, Addams?”

Unintimidated by the tricky question, Tiffany lifts her shoulder in a half shrug. “It all depends on the intelligence of the person you’re speaking with. You’re ultrawealthy in that department, so I assumed you wouldn’t mind some harmless friendly banter.”

“We’re not friends.” The speed with which he retaliates might have just sealed his fate. Deep down, he doesn’t quite believe those words himself, but there are rules to be followed unconditionally, rules that cannot be broken under any circumstances.

Dark, noble brows accentuating the breadth of her radiance crease together in sheer bewilderment. He can almost hear the scoff she’s choking back when she sees right through the cone-shaped hole in the thick wall separating them.

Liar, liar, pants on fire.

“We’re getting there.” She nods vigorously, openly mocking his well-meaning mendacity with lips pursed into a thin line and narrowed eyes surveying him diligently.

„An attending befriending his intern? I can’t see that happening.”

A winning grin lights Tiffany’s features up. „It’s already happening, whether you like it or not.”

The more she pushes forward, infuriatingly so, the more he resists, fortifying his helpless defense.

„Would you be kind enough to explain why on Earth would I let it happen?”

“It’s beyond your control.” She shakes her head. „There’s nothing you can do now.”

He frowns at her, takes her fierce expression in, feigning utter disinterest in the mesmerizing spatter of freckles adorning her glowy skin.

Is the intensity of his glare too revealing? Can there be a flash of ardent curiosity swimming in his eyes and acting up against him?

„You’re awfully confident about all the wrong things, Rookie.”

She mimics the military salute, right hand raised sharply, touching her forehead, fingers and thumb extended and joined, palm facing down. „The colossal pain in your ass reporting for duty, sir.”

This display of her goofiness, derived from the smidgeon of irreverence he’s found himself covertly fond of, successfully penetrates his ruptured facade.

At last, Doctor Terminator’s perpetually grim face blooms with an ear-to-ear smile, so wide and genuine that Tiffany blinks once, twice, most probably questioning whether the exceptionally unusual scene in front of her is real.

The way she gapes at his mouth almost drills a hole in him—she’s that awestruck, like a pious believer who stumbled upon irrefutable evidence confirming the foundation of her faith.

“You should smile more. You…” Her plush lips part when she trails off, then sucks in a breath, as if to stop the profanation of their professional relationship jumping on the tip of her tongue from slipping out recklessly.

She wants this too.

“It suits you.”

Ethan’s cheeks erupt with disgraceful heat, resembling an awkward teenager attracting his crush’s attention for the very first time—the feeling almost as mortifying and inexcusable as the unprecedented lack of any snarky response.

As if the worst was yet to come, Tiffany keeps on staring at him with such exhilarating wonder and sureness he doesn’t quite know how to proceed with such abundance of emotion meddling with his stoic approach.

She wants this too.

For a fleeting moment, the abyss of his solitude shrinks significantly, purple paint filling the crack on the illusory contentment with the life he’s chosen, just as her piercing gaze invites him further into the impossible fantasy.

Then, a jolt of sobering guilt runs along his spine in a rude awakening, at the same time when Tiffany realizes the gravity of her daring statement and its perilous implications.

“I, erm…”

“Uhm, my…”

Ethan smashes the uncharacteristic uneasiness descending on them, a benign half-smile and barely perceptible nod encourage her to continue. “Go on.”

Her gaze flickers towards the hall, a tinge of crimson reddening freckled porcelain. “My break is almost over. I should head back to the ER.”

Hell must have frozen over: his fearless protégée, strong-willed and sharp-tongued at all times, befuddles him with this uncommonly demure armor plate she has put on. The most challenging obstacles and cases fail to break her down, stress and pressure never threaten her admirable strength, and yet there she is—bleeding from her own sword.

This supremely fascinating token of hidden vulnerability sheds new light on the beguiling collection of contradictions making her whole.

He examines the younger doctor pacing around the room as she gathers her belongings up, stuffing her capacious bag with them. Half-way, she spins to address him directly and points at her cheek.

“Am I…Still…?”

“No, you’re alright. The paint is gone.”

“Splendid.”

As she goes forward, assembling her patients’ drawings into a neat pile, and—rather intentionally—ignoring Ethan, he readjusts his tie and dives headfirst into the pool of her discomfort.

“Addams?”

“Hm?”

“You don’t have to dedicate such a vast portion of your free time to helping others.”

She freezes, visibly offended, but still intent on avoiding his gaze. “I know. I want to.”

“What I meant...Is that you need to add yourself to the equation, Tiffany.”

“I’m doing just fine, thank you.” She scoffs, the barely noticeable defensive undertone reverberating in her firm answer not entirely convincing for the diagnostics virtuoso.

His evaluation is disrupted by the abominably loud beeping of Tiffany’s pager. Their eyes finally clash for a brief shootout with no winner before she shuts the damn thing up.

“Well then. See you later, Doctor Ramsey.” She blurts out hastily without giving him a second glance and turns round to rush out of the room, but stops in her tracks near the door.

Something sparks inside that brilliant mind of hers, reigniting her boldness. Dense curtain of long lashes flutters at him over her shoulder, inky-black and luxurious akin to the finest lace, the signature magnetic smile dancing on her lips again—this time infused with genuine concern. She inspects his countenance for a still moment, inch by inch, crease by crease, until her head falls to the side like she has just uncovered his biggest secret.

“Consider locking the door in your office and getting some rest.”

“Giving me advice isn’t included in your job description.” He sneers, the unnecessarily harsh huff of his disapproval concealing the alien sentiment spilling inside his chest.

Somehow it’s still not enough to antagonize her.

Her eyes bore into his audaciously; the gentleness gleaming from elusive emerald green, reminiscent of safety, offers shelter he despairingly seeks, but cannot take. “But it’s nice to have someone watching out for you, isn’t it?”

Somehow they might have more in common than one would think.

Careful not to expose the motley collection of feelings stirring his blood, Ethan draws in a long breath and slips his hands into the pockets of pristine white coat, perfecting his posture, with tense body standing even taller, as though to appear completely unaffected by her undeniable appeal, more unrelenting.

He’s been looked at countless times, yes, but this must be the first instance where he feels truly seen.

It is indeed nice.

The attending doesn’t say a word, for he would have to agree with the intern. She smirks triumphantly, accepting the tacit disbelief etched on his face as conclusive proof of her diagnosis.

Instead of claiming victory through verbal manifestation of her sass, Doctor Addams attacks him using a different weapon: a provocative wink. “Just think about it.”

With a graceful twirl indicating goodbye, his Rookie struts out, leaving a dizzying mist of her divine scent behind.

Wasting no time, Ethan scoots to the exact place where she stood prior to this moment, soaking up the delicious cloud of fragrance, unable to resist sniffing the air like some sort of disgustingly pathetic creep.

Thankfully, there are no witnesses to this particularly revolting descent into madness.

No witnesses to the beginning of his fall.

Mind over heart has never sounded more delusional than now, that his hard-won empire of spotless reason stands on the verge of crumbling. But he’s not giving up—he can’t give up. There’s too much at stake.

Beyond dispute, Ethan Ramsey is not an easy man to defeat. The King of Quiet Desperation wears his broken crown with arrogance, each burnished gem representing his sins, though the ultimate one hasn’t brought him down yet.

Having put the mask of nonchalance back on, Doctor Ramsey turns off the lights and stomps into the empty corridor—his hand still carrying the heavenly softness of Tiffany’s skin like a fingerprint, like a sin, shaky fingers curling at the very thought of the contact—then begins a seemingly casual stroll to his office.

He doesn’t have many vices—she is all of them.

_____

A/N2: Hope you enjoyed this bad boy ❤️ Sorry (not sorry) if it's too long and repetitive...I literally can't shut up when it comes to these two fsksjdkfjs Plus it felt really good to find my writing mojo after such a long time!

PS. If there are any typos and/or mistakes...No, there aren't lol I'm fighting COVID at the moment, so my brain's a little foggy. I had this fic sitting in my drafts and decided to just go with the flow while I'm feverish and can't see any faults sjfskfkjf I'll get back to everyone waiting for a reply when I'm more coherent. Stay safe, lovelies!

[genevievemd]

It's You and Me, That's My Whole World...

November 30 - December 2, 2023

Book: Open Heart (Beyond) Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Genevieve McClure) Format: Text/Edits Rating: T Category: fluff Trope(s): and one of them uses social media

Summary: Ethan and Gen get the keys to their new vacation home on the cape and spend the weekend

Warnings: alludes to adult activities

A/N: Follow up to And Now The Storm Is Coming, But... McRam's weekend in NYC. Enjoy

Thursday, November 30th

Friday, December 1st

Saturday, December 2nd

A/N: Hope you enjoyed the update! Next time I pop up with an update will be the pregnancy reveal! Cause our baby G is currently pregnant! She still doesn't know yet... she will soon, tho. Cause she's down with "the flu" right now 😉

Tagging Separately

[linkysmommy]

Excited to let everyone know that I've finally finished my Open Heart Storyloom fic! It took me a while with all the different romance variants, but it's finished now. Shout out to my friends Orc and Shionch for continually getting after me to finish, and for helping me with the final romance variants when I was oh so stuck.

You can play the full story here if you're on PC, or if you're on mobile, can find it on the Storyloom app by searching "Open Heart: A Toxic Situation." I hope you enjoy this little story I've put together, and thanks to everyone who's read it ❤️

Note: There is currently a bug in the final chapter where Asian MMC is Hispanic MMC. The fix has been submitted, but it won't be live until tomorrow, most likely.

[thosehallowedhalls]

An Awkward Interval

Book: Open Heart

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

Rating: Teen

Word count: ~550

Summary: Before leaving Miami, Casey knows she has to talk to Ethan.

A/N: For @jerzwriter, who gave me the prompt Ethan, Casey, Elevator. Drabble 17 of my 30 days of drabbles.

The silence echoes around them.

All right, technically, it isn’t silent. There are other people in the elevator, half of whom are talking with no regards to the fact that others can hear them discuss their plans for the day, what they did the day before and, in one particularly loud case, who they did the day before.  But as far as Ethan and Casey goes? The Pathology Department at Edenbrook is livelier.

She supposes she should have seen this coming. Ethan’s reaction to their kiss did foretell in giant neon letters that awkwardness was incoming. But she hasn’t felt this awkward since middle school.

That is not an age she wants to relive, thank you very much.

The elevator makes one stop, then another. People begin to filter out until they’re the only two occupants left. Ethan has been steadily stepping away from her, step by sneaky step until they’re on two opposing ends.

Right. She can’t handle another two and a half years of this.

“Aren’t we going to talk about it?”

Ethan continues to stare straight ahead. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Seriously? You know exactly what I mean.”

Silence.

“Eth- Doctor Ramsey. You can’t pretend you don’t know what I mean. Come on, you can’t even look at me.”

“That’s not true.”

“Isn't it? Then why are you staring at the control panel like it’s one of your patients?”

He shifts on his feet, and if she weren’t so frustrated, she’d find the gesture adorable.

Okay, maybe she still does. Just a little bit. But not enough to distract her from her mission.  

“We kissed.”

His throat bobs. “And we agreed it was a mistake, so I don’t see the point in talking about it.”

“Because if you keep being weird about it, everyone will know something happened. That’s kind of the opposite of why you walked away, isn’t it?” She puts a hand on his arm and… does she imagine the slight shudder that rocks him? “Ethan.”

He exhales. “You are… correct.”

“Oh, wow. I didn’t think I’d ever hear you say those words out loud. I didn’t know you were capable of thinking those words.”

“Casey.” With a strangled laugh, Ethan turns to look at her. “Don’t push it.”

“Can’t blame a girl for having a little fun.”

He ignores her. “You are correct, of course. My behavior towards you needs to remain the same as… before.”

“Perhaps not quite the same. I wouldn’t mind if you forgot to chew me out now and then.”

“I thought you wanted me to act normal.”

“How about normal-lite?”

He laughs. She tries not to melt at the sound. “Let’s go with normal and see what happens.”

“Deal.”

She smiles at him. He smiles back.

After a moment, it occurs to her that they’re just… staring at each other, their smiles having fallen without her notice. Her eyes drop to his mouth, and she can tell from his soft inhalation that he noticed.

“Casey…” Their faces are inches apart, and she vaguely wonders which one of them leaned in first. “I…”

The elevator doors open again, and four people walk in. Ethan jumps back, his back firmly against the wall, his gaze falling anywhere but on Casey.

She runs a frustrated hand through her hair.

So much for normal.

[macapacaalpaca]

I was scrolling through Pinterest and stumbled across this! I’d recognise that bedroom anywhere 😌

[bayleedraws-sometimesx]

Ethan x mc with their daughter

[zealouscanonindeer]

The secret gift.

Synopsis: The truth behind Ethan's first Christmas with Aspen's family.

For @choicesficwriterscreations holiday event using the prompt buying a naughty present for LI and mum ends up on the line behind them.

Jade and Tatum giggled once more in a hushed tone as they threw another ball of wrapping paper at Ethan who had, after a long day at work, passed out on the couch. He snored lightly and the girls took turns throwing the paper in tune with his snores.

Aspen walked in, noticing the scene before her, the girls looked at their mother for approval but on this rare occasion she gave them a glare, yet gently whispering.

"Stop it you two. He's had a difficult day and whatever he may say, he tires out. "

She nudged them back to actually begin wrapping the gifts. Since only Jonah was actually young enough for the whole Santa thing, he was already tucked in and fast asleep. The girls were on wrapping duty while Aspen put things in order in the kitchen, Ethan had done most of it when she had been out Christmas shopping and picking the girls up from the airport, who had visited her parents in Florida for Christmas break.

She gazed at the living room as she cleaned up, joining her family in the warm glow of the Christmas tree. She noticed Ethan had woken up and was entertaining the girls who were now too busy laughing.

Aspen walked in, wrapping her arms around Ethan's neck from the back as one of his hands came to rest atop hers. He looked up smiling at his wife, they shared a quick kiss before Aspen joined him on the couch.

Pulling the throw around their bodies, they stared at each other, momentarily forgetting their company.

"Dada! You were telling us about your first Christmas at Nana's. " Tatum reminded, grinning slightly.

"What about it? "

"Don't you think you forgot to mention something? Cause Nana told us quite a story. " Jade chided, throwing a furtive glance at her mother.

Ethan's eyes followed to land on his wife who seemed to have suddenly caught on, going red and flustered, she glared at Jade for broaching the subject. Curious, Ethan asked,

"What did she say? "

"Oh, a terrible mistake, a horrible run in. " Jade continued, Tatum threw herself onto the carpet, putting up a show of distress.

" Jade Ivy Ramsey!! Stop it! "

"It's the reason mom took you to Florida for Christmas. "

Ethan's head once again turned to his wife who looked a little resigned and uncomfortable as she began explaining.

"Remember how I called you to join me after I was in Tampa? It's cause my mom.... met me at the check out. "

"Yeah! Nana said you were buying Dad a present but it was a secret and Nana found out so she threatened to tell him unless he joined you for Christmas. "

"What was it, the gift? "

"Uh,... his favorite....coffee machine. He hated the hospital coffee. " She replied a little lamely, thankfully the girls didn't catch on, convinced by their mothers reply, Ethan however, was the better judge.

Soon after, they all headed to bed and Ethan finally confronted his wife.

"The coffee machine? "

"Uh yeah.. About that. " She answered sheepishly, once again her cheeks turning red at the old memory.

"Remember the Christmas special lingerie? "

"Of course I do. " Ethan replied, smirking at the various instances, which sadly ended when the flimsy cloth was unable to put up with their list filled frenzy. Suddenly, his brows drew together, confused at the change of subject.

"My mom caught me buying that. "

"You... What? " Ethan's mouth fell open, eyes flicking with horror, he continued staring mutely at his wife.

"I was in the check out line and mum happened to be behind me. I was talking to Sienna at the time, telling her how you would definitely appreciate the gift, with red being your favorite and all.. I got a little carried away.. Anyway, she firmly insisted that she simply must meet the man who would 'in so many ways ravage me' and 'make it the best Christmas Eve and morning ever. "

"No No... Penny.. She knew the whole time! "

"Since the first time she met you. At least she didn't tell the girls the whole truth, I need to have a word with her about that. "

He sat down on the bed, sighing heavily before meeting his wife's gaze.

Aspen straddled him, taking his jaw in her hand and connecting his lips to hers. Pushing him onto his elbows, she gently sucked at his pulse point, soothing it with her tongue. He moaned loudly as she moved away to pull her shirt off.

" I have always maintained you will be the death of me, Rookie. "

"Don't you dare tell me you don't like it. How about I try to find that lingerie again? "

[jamespotterthefirst]

A Note and A Thank You

Dear wonderful readers,

I've been on the fence about this for months, but due to some life-changing (and scary) news I received today in my personal life, I decided it is the right time to say this. I always said that when the time came to hang my writing hat, I would not write a long goodbye post. And I plan to stick to my word. This is not goodbye. Not really. 

This upcoming March 2024 will mark four years of writing for Choices (more specifically, for Open Heart). I started this journey when Open Heart: Second Year was still publishing and as the world was going on lockdown due to the pandemic. Times back then were truly terrifying and unpredictable, but I found solace and comfort in this community. I was lucky to be received with what felt like open arms by friendly users and enthusiastic readers. 

That is a memory I will cherish until the end of my days.

With that in mind, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest and everlasting gratitude to YOU for joining me in this crazy journey. Writing for Open Heart helped me re-discover my love for writing and I truly believe that wouldn’t have been possible without you. Your support and enthusiasm have been a tremendous source of joy these past four years.

Again, I know this sounds like a goodbye and it’s not. 

But I also want to be completely honest about my future here.

Many of you know that the world has long since returned to normal since the pandemic (or as normal as it can be). Things are vastly different from the day I wrote and published my first Open Heart fic (Lovely). These days, life has presented me with a series of challenges, including serious medical diagnoses and demanding work duties. As a result, finding the time and energy to write has become a complex balancing act.

I wanted to share this with you to express my sincere appreciation for your understanding during this busy (and terrifying) period. Though there is still much I want to create, I am uncertain about the frequency with which I can write in the future. To be brutally honest with myself, I doubt I will be able to create anything in the foreseeable future. I hope one day things will be okay in my life and I can return to doing what I love most. 

In the meantime, I leave you with my Masterlist. The works there are not perfect and if given the chance, I would definitely change many things, but they were written with much, much love. Though my online time is very limited now, I will still be here on Tumblr, reading and reblogging content when I get little breaks here and there. You guys also know I can't resist reblogging pictures of my pairing or answering asks about them! You can also find me on my main blog (if you want to follow the madness there). 

I once more want to say thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Your support, understanding, and patience mean the world to me. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and I hope to return to writing one day.

Until then, I'll see you guys around!

Sincerely,

Bree 

[cariantha]

Never Been Kissed

Book: Open Heart, Book 2 Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: General Category: Fluff Word count: 1.8K Summary: Ethan helps Sawyer with one of her New Year’s resolutions. A/N: I woke up with this idea yesterday and hammered it out last night so I could post it in time for NYE. Please forgive any errors. Happy New Year!🎉🪩🍾

Events/Prompts: • Participating in CFWC Holidays 2023 • Participating in Choices Flashfics Week #66 Prompts 🫤3: “How much worse could it get?” • Participating in Choices Holidays Winter 2023

Sawyer had never kissed anyone on New Year's Eve. 

Every year, for as long as she could remember, she rang in the new year with her family. The tradition was due in part to the fact that it was also her father's birthday. Twelve years away at school, but she always returned home for the holidays, never missing the annual event. Even last year, her first in Boston, she was able to make it home. A trip made possible by the plane ticket Ethan had given her for Christmas, a generous thank-you gift for helping him with Naveen.

In recent years their family party grew to include significant others and their babies. Everyone had a special someone to kiss at midnight. Everyone but Sawyer. 

When she broke the news to her parents that she was staying in Boston for New Years, there was disappointment on both ends of the line. A couple weeks had passed since she returned to work, and the medical leave she took to recuperate from the attack had already eaten up more time than she could afford. She couldn’t spare any more time away. Her parents were understanding, and Sawyer found a silver lining in that she finally had a special someone to kiss at midnight this year.

At least that was the case until she looked at her schedule a week later. Zaid accommodated her request for extra shifts, allowing her to make up clinic hours. But given that she worked a double on Christmas, she didn’t expect another on New Year’s Eve. She should have known better. It was one of the busiest nights of the year in the emergency department.  

🎉🪩🍾🎉🪩🍾🎉🪩🍾🎉🪩🍾

After a quick coffee break at Derry’s, Ethan helped Sawyer put her coat back on. He took the cream colored beanie that she pulled from her pocket and fitted it over her head. “Nice bunny tail,” he said, gently swatting the giant cotton ball sewn to the top of her knit hat. 

“Watch it, Mister, or you won’t be getting any of this tail for a while,” she turned and shook her rear end at him.

Just before they headed back inside the hospital, Sawyer squeezed his hand. “Sure you don’t want to volunteer and stay for another shift?” she asked, looking up at him with a puppy dog pout.

The first time Sawyer returned to work after the attack, with her landlord in tow, it had been a complete disaster. Though things had gone better this time around, Ethan kept an eye out for any signs of distress. She had her ups and downs, and he couldn't help but worry about her. "Is everything all right?"

“Yeah, it’s fine. You don’t need to worry. I promise,” she tried to assure him, sensing his concern. “I’m just going to miss you tonight, that’s all.” 

Ethan could still feel something was off, but dropped it.   

🎉🪩🍾🎉🪩🍾🎉🪩🍾🎉🪩🍾

It took him twice as long to get home with New Year’s revelers heading to their festivities around town. After a light dinner, a satisfying workout, and a long, hot shower, Ethan settled on his couch. The apartment suddenly felt too quiet, too empty. He missed his girlfriend. Since Sawyer began picking up double-shifts, they had not had a lot of time alone. Sure he got to see her at work. But it wasn’t the same as curling up together on the couch and talking about their day, or kissing whenever they felt like it, or waking up in each other’s arms. 

Hoping it would provide some distraction, he turned on the television and watched the local news. When the weather segment began, Ethan grew bored. He reached for a book on the coffee table, finding Sawyer’s notebook underneath. He recognized it from their DT meetings, where she took meticulous notes and sometimes doodled during their brainstorming sessions. She must have forgotten it the last time she stayed over. 

The way her mind worked fascinated him. She could be discussing the differences between apples and oranges when… Click! An idea would pop into her head to check their patient for uneven skin texture, giving her the lead needed to reach a successful diagnosis. 

Curious to know her thoughts about their current, undiagnosed patient, Ethan picked up the notebook and flipped through the pages. They were filled with detailed notes from each of their team meetings. Random side notes littered the margins. Tacos or burritos? He chuckled, wondering if the question was part of a diagnostic brainstorm, or if she was just hungry at the time. Turning the page to a more recent entry, he found Sawyer’s notes from a meeting he conducted last week. Ethan had attempted to inspire the team by conducting a goal-setting exercise. He asked everyone to jot down a few professional and personal goals for the new year. 

Several emotions washed over Ethan as he read her goals. She was cute as hell, but his heart broke a little knowing how much weight she still carried on her shoulders. 

On the TV, the New Year’s Eve countdown now aired. A correspondent stood in front of a large crowd of people gathered in Times Square. “…And according to folklore, a kiss at midnight brings luck and strength to that relationship for the rest of the year. So, who will you be kissing when the clock strikes twelve?” Ethan looked down at her list again. Is that why she wanted me to stay tonight? Was that the reason she seemed so… disappointed? 

A timer in the corner of the TV screen counted down the time to the famous ball drop. Forty minutes until midnight. 

Ethan never paid any mind to superstitions. Thinking back to the events of the past two years, he thought to himself, “How much worse could it get?” He shuddered at the thought, bolting to his closet where he threw on a pair of jeans and a sweater, then slipped into his running shoes. He was not going to take any chances, and most importantly, he was intent on giving Sawyer whatever she desired. If she wanted a kiss at midnight, he would make it happen. Keys and jacket in hand, the door to his apartment slammed shut behind him.

Ethan stepped into the atrium and checked the clock behind the reception desk. Fifteen minutes until midnight. 

He pushed through the doors of the emergency department a couple minutes later. It was eerily quiet. The calm before the storm. In about an hour, the waiting room would be packed with reckless and unfortunate party-goers. He didn’t see Sawyer anywhere, but wanting to confirm, Ethan inquired at the triage desk. 

“Happy New Year, Dr. Ramsey,” the triage coordinator greeted. 

“Happy New Year, Anabel. Have you seen Dr. Brooks?”

“About an hour ago? She mentioned trying to catch a quick nap before the midnight rush.”

“Thank you.”

Ethan made his way to the on-call room nearest the emergency room. When he opened the door, the beds were full of sleeping doctors, but Sawyer was not among them. After a quick peek in the cafeteria, he headed up to the Internal Medicine floor. The hallways were dim and quiet at this time of night. He checked all the obvious places. Staff lounge, empty. Resident locker room, empty. The on-call room was also empty, save for a pager that someone had left behind. Duh! 

“Could you page Dr. Brooks, please?” he asked the nurse sitting behind the circular desk. Not a moment later, the pager in his hand started to vibrate. 

Of course. He wondered if this was the universe mocking him for his skepticism.  

Jan, the night supervisor, quietly exited the patient’s room behind him. “Hey kiddo, I thought you went home a few hours ago?” She noticed the pager in his hand. “Did someone page you?”

“Uh, no. Jan, I’m looking for Sawy- for Dr. Brooks? Have you seen her?” he asked. 

“No, hon, but I’ve seen several folks making their way up to the helipad for the fireworks. Maybe she’s up there?”

Yes! She loves fireworks. Ethan looked at his wrist. Five minutes until midnight. 

After thanking the nurses, he walked with purpose to the elevator bank and punched the up button. Come on, come on! Four minutes to midnight. 

When he reached the seventh floor he jogged to the helipad entrance. The automatic glass doors slid open and a frigid gush of wind hit his face. With only the light of the helipad beacons, Ethan frantically scanned the gathered crowd. She’s not here. Dammit!  

He checked the time again. Two minutes until midnight.

As he turned to head back inside, he noticed a large chunk of snow falling from above. It fell from a secluded section of the rooftop that few knew how to access. Naveen referred to it as “the bird’s nest.” He shared its location with Ethan, and in turn, Ethan shared it with Sawyer. It was a place they could go when they needed a minute of peace. To his surprise, he saw what appeared to be a snowball floating in midair. Wait… not a snowball. A bunny tail! 

When he reached the stairwell, he glanced at his watch again. One minute until midnight.

Climbing the stairs three at a time, he quickly ascended two flights of stairs, bursting onto the ninth floor. Thankfully these hallways were lined mostly with administrative offices and were completely abandoned given the late hour. Sprinting to the end of the long hallway, Ethan pulled on a door marked “Authorized Personnel Only.” He launched himself through the dark doorway and blindly climbed another flight of stairs. 

Just as his hand reached the door at the top of the staircase, he heard an explosion on the other side. Midnight.

Sawyer jumped when she heard the steel door crash against the stone exterior of the building. Turning around, she saw Ethan. Steam puffed from his mouth as he tried to catch his breath. 

With the sky sparkling behind her, he grabbed the sides of her face, and crashed his lips onto hers. Once the urgency had subsided, he changed the angle and kissed her again. Deep and tender. When he pulled away to give his lungs a chance to expand, Sawyer could see the fireworks reflected in his eyes.

Tucked in his embrace, she smiled up at him. “What are you doing here?”

“Helping you keep your New Year’s resolutions.” 

She looked at him confused. “Wait... how did you know about that?” She hadn’t remembered mentioning it to him, or anyone for that matter. 

“You left your notebook at my apartment.” He reached into his pocket and handed her the pager. “You also left this in the on-call room.”

“Shit. Please don’t tell my boss.” 

“You’ll have to silence me with another kiss,” he smirked. 

“Well, if that's what it takes...” she laughed, standing on her tiptoes. She brushed her lips against his and whispered, “Happy New Year, Ethan.” 

Before claiming her lips again, he whispered back, “Happy New Year, Rookie.” 

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @peonierose  @potionsprefect @trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter @queencarb @coffeeheartaddict2 @quixoticdreamer16 @jamespotterthefirst @liaromancewriter @zealouscanonindeer @tveitertotwrites @tessa-liam @youlookappropriate @kyra75 @socalwriterbee @txemrn @choicesflashfics

[liaromancewriter]

Under The Mistletoe

Premise: Ethan Ramsey is not one to kiss anyone under the mistletoe, but he’s willing to make an exception just once.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 1,690

A/N: Finally starting to find my writing mojo again. Submission for @choicesficwriterscreations Holiday event, prompt "getting crush under the mistletoe", for @choicesholidays prompt "It's tradition" and for @choicesdecember2023 prompt "winter solstice". I'm also using @choicesflashfics week 63, prompt 3 (in bold) and Holiday prompt 1 (in bold)

I. Intern Year

Snow fell prettily outside, dusting the skylight above Edenbrook Hospital’s atrium with white crystals. Standing just inside the entrance under the glass dome, Cassie Valentine gazed in wonder at the snowflakes swirling above.

She felt like a figurine inside a snow globe and spread her arms out in delight. Giggling, she twirled on one foot and almost tripped when a masculine voice boomed behind her.

“Rookie, what are you doing?!?”

Ethan Ramsey stared at her askance, a bewildered expression on his face. He must have just arrived, for he was wearing a woolen winter coat with a bluish-gray scarf wound around his neck. Snowflakes dusted his hair.

She shrugged nonchalantly, unable or maybe even unwilling to explain. “The moment seemed to call for it.”

Ethan opened his mouth to, no doubt, make a cutting remark about the childishness of interns. But before he could say a word, someone bumped into him from behind, causing him to curse as coffee splashed on his coat from the to-go cup in his hand.

“Oh, Dr. Ramsey. Hi!” The woman beamed flirtatiously before her gaze trailed upward. “What a lovely coincidence.”

Cassie didn’t know the other doctor’s name, but she’d seen her around. She was a senior fellow in the Hem/Onc department and, Cassie thought, had a kind smile.

Ethan stared at the other woman waiting expectantly and then up at the mistletoe that an enterprising soul had hung from the light fixture just inside the entrance.

“Dr. Johnson.” He practically sputtered the name as realization hit, and his face flushed.

Cassie guffawed at Ethan’s sudden discomfort, swallowing her laughter with a loud cough when he shot her an annoyed look. She could practically see the gears in his brain working overtime to avoid kissing under the mistletoe.

Leaving him to handle his admirer, she rushed off before he could berate her for not showing a modicum of decorum. As she changed in the locker room, she wondered if he’d given in to tradition just to save face or made his escape.

Definitely the latter, she decided as she began her shift. Ethan was still a closed book at times, but she was absolutely positive about this. Doctor ‘Attraction is just a neurochemical response to close proximity’ Ramsey wasn’t the kind to kiss anyone under the mistletoe.

II. Second Year

Ethan didn’t know what it was about the holidays that made capable adults turn into horny teenagers. He’d already been accosted by nurses, interns and even patients under the guise of holiday traditions.

His brows snapped in annoyance. This would be so much easier if people didn’t automatically assume he was single. He’d already declared his relationship status to a few million people a couple of months ago. Did no one watch national television anymore?

As he headed to the elevator bank, he glanced warily at the ceiling for any signs of the offending plant and breathed easily when he found none.

Naveen had ordered all mistletoe removed from the hospital after someone filed a sexual harassment complaint. And yet, sprigs of mistletoe kept appearing with a message from someone calling themselves the Elf of Edenbrook.

The custodial staff had their work cut out for them, he thought, getting off the elevator at his floor.

Out of the corner of his eye, Ethan spied the new nurse from the fifth floor strolling toward him. She flipped back her red hair in a practiced move and thrust out her impressive chest. He pretended not to notice and increased his stride.

He sighed in relief when the glass walls of the diagnostic team office came into view, along with a familiar blonde head chatting intensely with Baz Mirani and June Hirata around the meeting table.

That was another problem with secret relationships. Couldn’t just kick people out of the office for alone time with his girlfriend.

Mirani saw him first and lifted a hand in greeting as Ethan swiped himself into the office.

“Good, you’re here,” Hirata commented unnecessarily to Ethan’s mind.

“Did something happen, Dr. Ramsey?” Cassie asked, accurately reading his body language.

“Nothing for you to worry about, Valentine,” Ethan kept his tone neutral as he joined the team, standing at the front of the table. “Just annoyed that people won’t stop trying to get me to walk under the mistletoe.”

Mirani laughed good-naturedly, having heard Ethan complain about this before. “Did the Elf of Edenbrook attack again?”

Ethan grimaced and then shrugged. “Anyway, what’s the latest here?”

“The drug protocol isn’t working,” June stated. “Valentine thinks we’re missing something, and I agree.”

Ethan picked up the marker and turned to face the whiteboard. “Let’s brainstorm this blind then.”

For the next half hour, Ethan forgot about everything but the case. By the time he dismissed the team, they had a clear action plan. He took his place behind the desk and switched on the monitor.

“Valentine, can you stay back, please?” Ethan called out as Baz and June filed out, now discussing their plans for the hospital’s holiday party.

“What’s up?” Cassie asked, dropping into the visitor’s chair.

He cast a furtive glance at the retreating backs of their colleagues, waiting until they disappeared from view. “Come home with me tonight.”

“Afraid to spend the longest night alone?” Cassie teased. When he stared at her in confusion, she added. “It’s the Winter Solstice, Ethan. Only three more days until Christmas!”

“Good,” he said with gusto. “Then this mistletoe madness can finally end.”

Cassie burst into laughter, slapping her hands together. “You have such a way with words, babe. One would think you hate kissing, but we both know you love it.”

“I admit nothing,” he said just to be contrary. “So, about tonight…? As you know, I’m heading to Providence on Christmas Eve. But it’s our first Christmas together as a couple, and I——”

Ethan cut himself off before the sappy, sentimental words could escape his lips. He wanted holiday memories with Cassie, something when they weren’t both working. They’d agreed to one present each but might have broken that rule already.

“It’s movie night at Casa Roomies,” Cassie began slowly, and he tried to hide his disappointment. “But I’d rather spend the night with you. On one condition.”

He almost sighed in relief, but her last words made him pause. He watched suspiciously as Cassie reached inside her white coat and took out a sprig of mistletoe.

“I want a kiss under the mistletoe,” she smirked, her green eyes swimming with mischief.

“Not you, too,” Ethan griped and sprawled in his chair.

“One kiss for one night.” Cassie shook the mistletoe invitingly. “What do you say?”

Ethan stared at the empty hallway outside and decided to take a calculated risk. “Come here.”

Pushing the chair back, he moved toward the corner of the office, out of sight from the glass. He yanked Cassie into his arms and pressed her against the wall. Lifting her arms, he cuffed her wrists with one hand so that the mistletoe hung above them.

Cassie angled her face toward him, her eyes glittering in anticipation, a triumphant smile hovering on her lips. “Just play along.”

“Just this once,” he said, leaning down to nibble her throat, tracing a line of kisses along her jaw to the sensitive spot just below her earlobe.

He placed two fingers on her chin, pressing firmly until her lips parted. He covered her mouth with his, holding her still as he devoured her. His tongue swirled deep and withdrew. She followed, capturing his bottom lip between her teeth and sucking it into her mouth.

Her arms went slack as he released them, and she wrapped them around his neck. His hands roamed her body, pushing away the white coat to find the hem of her top, lifting that and the undershirt until he touched her silky skin.

Cassie shuddered when he cupped her bra-filled breasts, his thumbs flicking across her taut nipples. He swallowed her moans, his hands now on her thighs, spreading them wide until they cradled him.

Ethan knew this had gone too far, but he was loathe to end it. Despite the risk they were taking, he deepened the kiss.

“Stop,” Cassie cried, pushing against him.

Ethan groaned in frustration but forced himself off her and stepped back. His chest rose and fell as he tried to catch his breath.

“Dammit, Ethan,” Cassie cursed, brushing her fingers through her hair. “How am I supposed to go back to work looking like this?”

Her cheeks were flushed, her lips red, and her eyes had the look of a woman who had just left her lover’s bed. She reached beneath her top to adjust her bra and then straightened her clothes, smoothing down the lapels of the white coat.

“You told me to kiss you!” he protested weakly.

“One kiss,” Cassie scoffed, giving him an incredulous look.

“Well, now you owe me two nights, minimum,” Ethan said, feeling the euphoria of earlier start to fade.

“Put it on my tab,” Cassie shot back.

They stared at each other in annoyance, and then Cassie chuckled, much to Ethan’s chagrin. He wondered if he would ever understand her moods.

“I’m sorry, Ethan,” she wheezed, her laughter turning into a coughing fit. “I got carried away, too. Let’s just chalk this off to a serious error in judgment on my part.”

“Damn mistletoe,” Ethan grumbled, rolling his eyes when she giggled.

“Mistletoe really does put you in a bad mood, huh?” she teased, framing his face between her hands. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I’m going to head up to the roof and let the frigid air take care of the rest.”

Cassie stretched on her toes and kissed the corner of his lips. “See you tonight, handsome.”

Ethan kept his eyes locked on Cassie as she ducked into the stairwell. He started to turn away when he saw the forgotten mistletoe on the floor. He bent down to pick it up and stared at the innocuous-looking plant.

Without another thought, he slipped it inside his pant pockets and grinned wickedly. It might just come in handy again tonight.

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

All Fics & Edits: @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @genevievemd @headoverheelsforramsey @lucy-268 @jamespotterthefirst @jerzwriter @lady-calypso @mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan & Cassie only: @cariantha @custaroonie @youlookappropriate @zealouscanonindeer

[alj4890]

Mixed Signals

(Dr. Tobias Carrick x F!MC *Chris Valentine) (Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC*Chris Valentine) (Dr. Bryce Lahela x F!MC*Chris Valentine) in an Open Heart Fan fiction.

Masterlist

A/N Sorry for taking so long to post. My health decided to do some wild things since the last post on top of the writer's block just having a field day with this storyline 😑 Anyway, we'll pick up where the last chapter left off.

Chapter 2

Chris slowly came awake. Though she knew in an instant that she wasn't in her own bedroom, the massive hangover she was currently under caused her to not really care where she was. Pulling what had to be some of the softest sheets she'd ever felt up over her face, she began to try and remember what happened the night before.

Flashes of her celebration at Donahue's flickered through her mind. Groaning over not only her actions with drinking way too much, she remembered what happened with Ethan.

Her eyes shot open.

Oh no. Did I go home with Ethan?

Peeking out from under the covers, she tried to discern the furniture around her.

Unless Ethan had done a major renovation since the last time she'd been in his apartment and had moved to a lower floor, she knew she wasn't in his place.

Chris clutched her head.

I know I'm not at Bryce's either. He wouldn't have brought me to his place with Kikei there.

She softly gasped.

Don't tell me I went home with a stranger!

Chris kicked the covers back and breathed easier to see she was still fully dressed. There was no indication that anyone had slept beside her. She did a quick examination of her body and knew she hadn't had sex.

Where am I?

She yanked the covers up when the bedroom door opened.

Tobias grinned at her.

"You're awake."

Chris gaped at him. "I went home with you!?"

He chuckled as he walked into the room.

"You demanded that I bring you to my place."

"Oh lord." Chris buried her head in her hands. Smoothing back her tousled hair, she looked up at him. "I'm so sorry."

He shrugged it off as not a big deal and sat down at the foot of the bed.

"I didn't..." Chris took a deep breath. "I didn't push myself on you, did I?"

Before he could respond, she shook her head.

"Of course I bloody well did. Why else would I be in your home?" She rubbed her hands over her face in an attempt to clear the cobwebs. "You should have given me back to my roommates. Then you wouldn't--"

"Hey!" He chuckled once more. "Easy there, Valentine. Normally, a woman in your condition would not be in my home." He patted her leg. "But, um, you were adamant that your doctor take you to his home."

"My doctor?" Her brow furrowed as she tried to remember the events of the previous night.

He laughed at her confused expression.

"Yeah, Ethan was not too thrilled when you declared I was not only your doctor but also the only doctor you trusted."

Her eyes widened.

What else did I do last night?

"You also told your roommates that you needed me to take you home since you had some medical concerns."

She vaguely remembered talking to Sienna.

"Anyway, I was going to actually take you back to your apartment after your friends left." He explained. "When I checked your wallet for a driver's license--"

"You saw that I still had my I.D. from Inverness." She finished with a groan.

"As much as I wanted to get you safely home, I wasn't quite up for the journey to Scotland." He teased.

Chris flopped back on the pillows with her arm draped over her eyes. This was quite possibly the most embarrassing moment of her life.

She then remembered she should be at work.

"What time is it?!" She sat up too quickly and immediately regretted such a rash action.

"Half past two." Tobias told her.

"Half past--" She scrambled out of bed.

"Whoa!" Tobias stopped her. "Where are you going?"

"I'm late!" She searched in vain for her shoes. "My shift at the hospital started hours ago!"

"Chris." He placed his hands on her shoulders. "I called Ethan this morning and told him you weren't coming in."

"You did what?" Chris gaped at him. "Why?"

"As your physician," he winked at her, "I realized that I never gave you the all clear to return to work. Plus given how many drinks you had last night, I knew you wouldn't be in any condition to help your patients."

"Oh." She sank back down on the bed.

Tobias sat down next to her. He studied her worried profile in silence for a few seconds.

"Hey?" He nudged her with his shoulder. "Why don't you take a shower while I see about lunch?" He nudged her again. "Or breakfast for you?"

Chris snorted back a laugh. "Yes, please feed me after I forced my drunk self into your home."

Tobias grinned at her. "You can force yourself on me anytime."

She burst out laughing then gave him a playful shove.

He got to his feet to open a nearby closet.

"My sisters-in law leave clothes here so they don't have to pack so much when they come for a visit." He explained. "See if there's something of theirs that might do for now."

"I appreciate it," Chris began "but I shouldn't impose on you any--"

"You're not." He went into the guest bathroom to start the shower. "Plus, I insist you stay until I know you're okay."

With a smile that made her heart flip, he left her alone.

Twenty minutes later, Chris found herself clean, dressed in leggings that were too short and in what was supposed to be an oversized sweater, yet just barely went past her waist. She'd finally found a pair of wooly socks to keep her always cold feet warm and began to make her way downstairs, admiring Tobias's townhome along the way.

She paused in the hallway to discern just where her host was.

Tobias called out from a room farther to her left.

"I'm in here, Chris!"

She followed the sound of his voice, pausing at how inviting his kitchen was. Though modern, the warm colors he'd chosen for the walls, decor, and cushions somehow worked. It should have clashed, yet she found herself thinking of her grandparents' home. They had been given all new appliances a couple of years ago. The silver, sleek look met the older bread box, flower towels, and ruffled cushions and soon settled into a hodgepodge that they all ended up loving.

It made her homesick to sit down at Tobias's table.

"Coffee?" He asked from behind the counter.

"Please." Chris rubbed her forehead in an effort to clear the fog she was still slightly under.

"How do you take it?" He poured her a cup.

"Lots of cream and lots of sugar." She mumbled.

"How much is a lot?"

"More than true coffee aficionados can tolerate." She responded.

"This I have to see." Tobias teased.

He brought over the pot of coffee along with cream and sugar.

Chris blushed under his attention as she prepared her cup. Once she was finished, the rich black was replaced with a light beige color.

Tobias chuckled. "I bet you've gotten more speeches on your coffee from Ethan than you have medicine."

"You'd win that bet." Chris took a long sip, sighing in pleasure. "Don't tell me you're a coffee snob too?"

"I'm a to each their own coffee drinker." He teased. "Who am I to judge when I'll drink it any way someone prepares it? Though I will admit, I like mine with a little less cream than you do."

Chris rolled her eyes. "What about the sugar?"

Tobias leaned closer to her. "Who doesn't love something sweet?"

Having him close enough where she could see the flecks of gold in those amazing hazel eyes of his caused Chris to become momentarily tongue-tied.

His cocky smile creeped up at seeing her like this.

His attention next drifted over her face, taking in the strawberries and cream complexion he found rather cute. Her nose had a slight tilt that more than hinted at a stubbornness he'd been witnessed to on previous occasions. Her eyes held such emotion. Those gray eyes of hers could make a man hesitate for fear of wounding her.

How does Ethan keep it professional, he wondered. I don't know what I would do if the positions were reversed and she worked closely with me.

"So?" He cleared his throat and settled back in his chair. "Want to talk about last night?"

Chris's nose wrinkled at the very mention of it.

Tobias eyed her over the rim of his coffee cup. "You don't strike me as the kind of person who regularly gets drunk."

"Because I don't." She took another sip of coffee. "It was stupid of me to drink that much."

"What happened?" He prodded. "One minute, you seemed happy then the next you were downing drinks like you'd seen a ghost or something."

She snorted. If he only knew how right he was. There was nothing worse than a visit from the Ghost of Relationships Past.

Chris tried to avoid his question by focusing on her fork picking at the scrambled eggs on her plate.

Tobias wasn't going to let this go. If Chris really did consider him her doctor then he was going to make sure she was not only physically well after the attack but also emotionally. They were becoming friends after all. Weren't friends supposed to share problems?

He placed his hand on hers, causing the fork to slip from her grasp and clatter onto the plate.

Chris swallowed a tad hard before lifting her eyes back to his.

Tobias searched her steady, vulnerable gaze and gentled his tone.

"What's wrong, Chris?"

Unshed tears began to fill her eyes.

"I--I don't..." she sucked in a deep breath before burying her face in her hands.

Tobias got up and knelt by her chair. He gently brushed back her damp hair. As much as he wanted to demand she talk to him, he knew he could only wait and let it be her decision.

"I'm sorry." She lowered her hands.

"No need to apologize." He tucked her hair behind her ear. "If you don't want to talk about it, we--"

"I don't but I know I should." She took another deep breath. "It's a long story."

"Good thing it's my day off of work." He teased in the hopes of seeing her smile again.

Her lips curved briefly before falling once more. "I guess I should start at the beginning."

Tobias returned to his chair. He remained silent as Chris poured out everything that occurred since she first arrived at Edenbrook. There were many times he wanted to question her and express shock as she told him about her odd relationships with Ethan and Bryce.

Ethan hadn't been able to resist her after all, he thought to himself.

"And then Ethan pulled me away last night and it all began again." She explained. "After he kissed me and wouldn't say what we were, I just needed an escape. Not from him, but I needed to get away from myself."

Tears slipped down her cheeks.

"How can I go on in life in the same, exact, frustrating manner after being given a second chance?" She looked up at Tobias. "I should be making sure that nothing is wasted with this time I've been given, right?"

Tobias slowly nodded. "I think you shouldn't waste your time on anyone who doesn't give you what you deserve."

"Exactly!" Her breath hitched. "If I'm willing to give everything to someone, I should expect he give the same to me."

She wiped her tears away with the back of her hand.

"I know some say you should love without expecting anything in return." Her eyes searched his for understanding. "But I tried that and ended up miserable. I can't be that person again. I won't! It takes so much out of me and gives me nothing but mere crumbs to live on."

Tobias opened his mouth to reassure her again, only to fall silent when she continued.

"But what if I miss out? What if Ethan or Bryce is the one? What if I ruin what could be the relationship that will eventually give me what my heart needs? Am I suppose to fall back into what they want in case--"

"Whoa." He took her hands in his. "Easy there, Valentine. You're going down a rabbit hole of what if's."

"I know." She admitted. "That's all I do. I start off saying I won't put myself through this over and over and yet turn around and doubt my decision. I always end up here, questioning whether or not I should change anything."

Chris propped her chin on her fist while staring out of the kitchen's bay window.

"I am drowning in doubt." She admitted. "I am certain in everything I do in life except for love." She refocused on Tobias. "I don't know how to fix this."

Tobias didn't either. If she was suffering from the attack either physically or mentally, he'd have known exactly what to do. When it came to matters of the heart, he knew he was the last person who should give advice.

"The only thing I can recommend," he began a bit hesitantly, "is to only accept what makes you happy."

He took her hand once more. "As a friend of yours, I don't believe you should settle for anything less than what you want."

"That's what Sienna's been telling me for a while now." Chris mumbled.

"See? How can you ignore the advice coming from two different people?" He prodded.

Chris's lips quirked into a brief smile. "You and Sienna couldn't be any more different."

"It's a sign that it's the right thing to do." He argued. "You should tell Ethan and Bryce."

"Tell them?" Chris murmured. "You mean--"

"Tell them exactly what you want, what you expect, and see if they can step up and be that for you." Tobias told her. "Keeping it to yourself is only making you miserable. Plus, if they honestly don't know what you're wanting, how can they give it to you?"

Chris slowly nodded. She had tried to hint and kinda explain what she wanted each time with Ethan, but she'd never talked to him seriously about it. With Bryce, she kept things light and fun. Perhaps she was more responsible for her unhappiness than she originally thought.

"You know what you need?" He relaxed back in his chair. "You need a night out."

Chris blinked. "Isn't that what I did last night?"

"No, that was a celebration. You need a night out with no expectations, no questionable relationships, and no drunken escapes."

Tobias grinned at her. "You took me to your hangout. It's only fair you visit mine."

She began to laugh. "You sure you trust me to see where you love to go?"

"I guess I do." He murmured, grinning even more. "How bout it, Chris?"

"I really should get some sleep." She argued halfheartedly. "I have work in the morning."

"No, you don't." He reminded her. "Remember, I haven't given you the all clear yet."

Chris rolled her eyes over that.

"We both know I'm fine to go back to work."

"I don't." He laced his fingers behind his head to stretch. "You'll have to schedule an appointment with me for a final checkup." He winked at her. "Nice try, but there's no getting out of tonight."

Chris motioned to herself. "I don't have anything to wear."

"I'll take you by your place to change on the way." Tobias got up to clear their plates. "What do you say?"

Seeing no way out of this and was a little curious over where he went to unwind, she decided to give in. Chris admitted to herself that having a drink somewhere without Ethan or Bryce to distract her might be just the change she needed.

Plus, it might help her get the courage up to talk to them.

"If my doctor insists, -" Chris mumbled.

"I do." Tobias interrupted

"Then, I'd love to."

[genevievemd]

Baby(moon) Planning

A/N: aaaaahhh it’s a ghost… run away lol

Hi… I had an idea

Okay bye

[jerzwriter]

Abundance

Book:                   Open Heart (Book 2)

Pairing:                Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Kaycee)

Rating:                 Teen

Category:            Fluff

Summary:   It's Valentine's Day at Edenbrook, and things are a little different for Kaycee this year. It's their first Valentine's Day together, but they still have to keep things secret... and Ethan isn't helping.

Words: 1475

A/N: In my world, Ethan & Kaycee are official after the chemical attack, but they keep their relationship hidden from most for a bit longer. This plays off the events that took place on Kaycee's first Valentine's Day at Edenbrook, Acts of Kindness, but you can read this as a standalone. I'm participating in @choicesficwriterscreations Valentine Event; @choices-february2023 Day 18, Romance. @choicesmonthlychallenge "To Be" ILY and @choicesholidays Prompt number 2, You broke through every wall I had. How can I resist you now? Happy Valentine's Day, y'all!

It was obviously not an ordinary morning. People seemed more pleasant than usual, and all but a few donned at least some pink or red attire. When the elevator doors opened, the scent of carnations and roses permeated the air, and it was impossible not to recognize what day it was. Last year, Kaycee had marveled at how electric the atmosphere felt and was delighted to see it wasn’t a fluke. Because Kaycee MacClennan loved Valentine’s Day, and apparently, Edenbrook did too.

Feeling like she found her holiday tribe made her giddy with delight, but it served a practical purpose too. While she had to put on a brave face last year when her heart longed for one particular, grumpy doctor. This year, that same grumpy doctor was hers, she was his, and they were as in love as two people could be. Nothing could make the day better… except it would be nice if others could know. To most, she was your standard overworked resident who had no time for a love life with anyone, much less her boss. And therein lay the rub. For now, precious few knew how happy they were, of their love, or how this spunky lady melted the hard of the seriously confirmed grinch. So they still had to live in the shadows, for now….

Edenbrook’s love for Valentine’s day provided the perfect mask. She didn’t need to make an excuse for her extra-bright smile or the radiant glow on her face. No one needed to know that it came from waking in her lover's arms or that she couldn’t keep her mind off their plans for that evening. Only she was aware that her heart was beating out of her chest when she reflected on how far they had come in just one year. To the average observer, it was just a special day, and Kaycee was embracing it.

“Coming through!” a voice blurted, and a blur barreled past her.

Bryce and Raf made haste as they carried bushels of roses to the nurses’ station. When Kaycee arrived moments after, Bryce handed her a single stem. Silently, she lifted it to her nose and inhaled the sweet fragrance, her smile growing wider.

“Is this for me?” she teased.

“You better believe it! What kind of man would I be if I didn’t buy a rose for the only person who can give me a run for my money playing Foosball!”

“I think that’s part of Valentine’s lore, so… you’re right,” she laughed. “Thank you, Bryce. But how many others did you buy? I don’t recall the nurses having to replenish their rose supply so early last year.”

“That I had nothing to do with!” Bryce insisted.

“No, he didn’t,” Maureen interjected. “Someone left an envelope on our desk. It contained two hundred dollar bills and instructions. They said they were buying every single rose, and we should place them in all the recipient's cubby. Of course, there was no way to fit that many roses wouldn’t fit there, so….”

“Oh, my God!” Kaycee covered her mouth with a gasp as she saw her cubby overflowing with pink and red roses from across the room.

“Well, I guess we know who the recipient is!” Raf grinned. 

“Since you don’t have your own office, we sent the rest to the Diagnostic Team’s space,” Maureen smiled. “Someone really likes you!”

“Uh… and… do you know who that someone is?” Kaycee asked, trying to hide her fear.

“The purchase was made anonymously.”

“Damn it!” Bryce complained. “Now, we’ll never know!”

“Not for certain,” Maureen winked. “But the nurses already have a pool going, and I have a hunch I’m right!”

Kaycee could feel sweat beading on her brow. If Maureen began naming names, she was confident everyone would see right through her if Ethan’s name was spoken; and she knew Ethan would be spoken.

“Oh, uh, I should get these roses out of here,” she said, gathering bunches in her arms. “They need water, and my mail cubby isn’t the proper place for them.”

“Come on, Kaycee,” Raf teased. “Can we at least get a hint about who it is?”

“You would if I knew,” she fibbed. “Because I have no clue who they’re from.”

“Mmm-hmmm,” Bryce hummed after her. “I’ll speak to you at Donahue’s after a drink or three….”

~~~~~ 

Kaycee barreled into the DT team's office, slamming the door behind her. Ethan, who had been quietly reading at his desk, jumped at the sudden disturbance.

“What the hell… are you trying to send me into cardiac arrest?”

She was about to be witty, answering with a pun about the holiday at hand, but when her mouth opened, words failed to escape. Ethan watched her with a satisfied grin; after all, he got the very response he craved. Leaving her breathless, in the best possible ways, had become his favorite pass time.

“Cat got your tongue?” he teased.

“Ethan,” she whispered, taking in what seemed to be hundreds of roses filling the room. “What did you do?”

“You don’t like them?”

“I love them! They’re beautiful, but….”  

Sliding his chair out, he circled his desk and approached her, eager to take her in his arms. But as he neared her, she plucked a single stem from the bunch and struck him on the forehead with it.  

“Hey!” he protested. “Is this some strange way to thank me?”

“No!” she frowned, but that quickly turned into a playful smirk. “I’ll show you my gratitude tonight. But Dr. Ramsey, if we’re to keep our relationship a secret, this,” she motioned all around her, “is not the way to do it!”

“So you don’t like them?” He mockingly pouted as Kaycee fell into his arms.

“Oh, Ethan! I don’t like them, I love them! But what possessed you to buy all of them for me?”

He shrugged as if it was the only option, nonchalantly adding, “The money goes to a good cause.”  Then he kissed her temple, once, then again… his warm breath fanned down the side of her face.

“Yes,” she said, trying to keep her senses. “it does. But the nurses are now betting on who bought these for me!”

“Mmmh,” he said, lowering his lips to her neck. “That’s tragic.”

“It will be if they figure it out,” she insisted. “I love that you did this, but you didn’t have to go so overboard. I thought we said we’d limit our celebration to tonight.”

“We did,” he said, pulling back to meet her gaze. “But it seemed cruel to expect me to go the entire day without doting on my Valentine. Besides,” he teased. “Since you turned the single rose I bought you last year, I decided to go big. There was no way you could turn down this many, could you?”

Kaycee dropped the roses in her arms onto a nearby table, then pushed Ethan onto the sofa against the back. He smiled impishly as she straddled his lap, peppering his face with as many kisses as there were roses in the room.

“I will never turn you down again, Ethan. And not just because you spoil me needlessly. It’s simply because I love you. Today… and every day. Happy Valentine’s Day, baby.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day, beautiful,” he smiled, then peered at his watch. “But, if you’re never turning me down, we could put this couch to better use before the team meeting begins.”

“The meeting begins in fifteen minutes,” she laughed.

“Have you ever heard of the concept of a quickie?”

“Oh, I’m familiar with the act,” she blushed. “But I’m not too eager to have Baz and June walk in on us in that, uhm, position.”

“Baz would keep our secret,” he winked.

“And June certainly wouldn’t!”

Ethan tossed his head back with a sigh of frustration. “I hate it when you’re right, Dr. Mac Clennan.”

“That’s a shame,” she beamed. “Because it happens so often.”

“Of course, you could meet me in my office during your lunch hour….”

“Why? Would you like an appetizer before tonight’s main course?” she purred.

“Sometimes the appetizer is the best part of the meal,” he grinned.

“I don’t disagree.” She gave him one last lingering kiss before jumping to her feet. “Can I let you in on a little secret?”

“Anything.”

“I like this Valentine’s Day so much better than the last.”

Ethan smiled softly and reached out to cup her cheek.

“Me too, Rookie, Me too. But, how are you going to explain all these roses to Baz and June,” he grinned sheepishly.

“I’m going to tell them one of my patients has a mad crush on me. And as much as I’d love to share their identity, patient confidentiality prohibits me from doing so.”

“Damn,” Ethan replied. “You’re good.”

“You better believe I am. And we’re not even near my specialty yet!”

“Which is?” he chuckled.

“The main course, my dear.  You know it’s the main course.”

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