#except Max gets the tea and Sienna's all about coffee

[liaromancewriter]

The Love Language Test

Premise: Sienna and Max explore which of the five love languages works for them.

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Sienna Trinh x Max Valentine (M!OC) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 1,350

A/N: Requested by @storyofmychoices from this prompt list - preparing lunch. Submission for @choicesprompts Rewrite challenge. It's inspired by this Blue Bloods scene in S11 between Eddie and Jamie about their love language. I'm also using @choicesflashfics week 40, prompt 1 (in bold)

“What’s your love language?”

Sienna Trinh pursed her lips as she glanced over the top of the tablet and waited for Max Valentine to answer.

It was after dinner, and they were in his home office. He was catching up on emails while she was parked on the couch, keeping herself busy. She had started hanging out here when he wasn’t on calls and found it comforting to have him close.

“My, what now?” he asked without looking up, his hands flying across the laptop’s keyboard, eyes focused on the screen.

“Love language,” she said. “You know, the way you like to express and receive love. There are five of them, but we each have one or two that speak to us the most.”

Sienna explained patiently, repeating the words she’d read in an online article. “If couples communicate using each other’s love languages, the relationship can become even stronger.”

“Sex,” he chuckled, turning his head to wink at her. “Just let me finish here, and I’ll happily show you.”

Sienna rolled her eyes. “Be serious.”

“I resent that,” he joked, eyes back on the laptop screen. “I’m always serious about sex.”

“Why does Cassie know all about this, and you don’t?” Sienna mused, fighting back a yawn as she stretched out on the comfortable couch and pulled a fleece blanket over her legs to keep them warm.

Until recently, she had been under the impression that as twins Cassie and Max were more alike than different in their tastes and interests. But she was slowly realizing the error of her ways.

Cassie loved junk food, and Max was all about eating healthy. Cassie inhaled coffee by the gallons. Max preferred tea. She was an optimist and a big believer in fate. Her brother was a realist and inherently skeptical. And yet, Sienna loved them equally but in completely different ways.

“I keep telling you, babe. We’re twins, not clones,” Max retorted. “Besides, Cassie majored in psychology at Georgetown and has always been interested in this stuff. I’d be surprised if she didn’t know it.”

Sienna rubbed her eyes and checked the time at the top of her screen. She should get up and get ready for bed but felt way too comfortable to move. She’d just started a new job last week, and her body was still adjusting after a two-month break.

That reminded her. She still had to put her lunch together for tomorrow. She’d meant to do it earlier, but it slipped her mind.

She yawned again and fought to keep her eyes open, losing the battle as she sank deeper into the couch.

Sienna woke up the next morning in their bed wearing the Wharton tee shirt she’d stolen from Max’s closet. Slightly disoriented at first, she gazed at the ceiling as she tried to remember the events of last night.

She remembered bantering with Max about love languages, and then her memory was fuzzy. She had wanted them to do an online quiz, but she must have fallen asleep before she could suggest it.

Sienna really wanted to learn his love language, and hers too in this relationship.

Max had arisen before her as usual, but his side of the bed wasn’t cold to touch, so it must not have been long. She yelped when she saw the time and quickly climbed out of bed.

A short while later, she was dressed for work except for tying back her hair. Desperate for coffee, she rushed into the kitchen to throw some snacks together since she wouldn’t have time to make anything.

She pulled up short at the sight of Max behind the counter and delicious aromas wafting from the stove.

“Good morning,” he said affably, walking around the kitchen peninsula to lock his hands around her hips and buss her on the cheek. “You look beautiful today. You should wear your hair down more often.”

He turned away to pour coffee and handed her the mug. “Heard you moving around and figured you’d need this before long.”

“Thanks,” she smiled, enjoying how his hand lingered over hers around the mug before he let go.

She sighed in pleasure as the first hint of caffeine hit her taste buds. “Something smells amazing, and it’s not just the coffee.”

Sienna watched him above the rim of the coffee mug. He wore the loose pants and tee shirt he’d slept in and hadn’t showered or shaved.

“I made you lunch,” he said, voice muffled as he reached inside the lower cabinet for a roll of wax paper. “It’s a roast beef melt on a French baguette with caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms. Just the way you like it. ”

Sienna felt her heart turn to mush as he deftly wrapped the sandwich and covered it with foil to keep it warm. That’s when she noticed her lunch bag on the counter, the cover unzipped and flipped open. Inside were a trail mix snack, a small container of strawberry yogurt and three chocolate chip cookies.

Setting her mug down on the counter, Sienna moved into Max and wrapped her arms around his waist, tilting her head back to meet his puzzled gaze.

“Thank you for this,” she nodded toward the lunch, “and knowing exactly what I need.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, cupping her face. “Taking care of you is my absolute pleasure. I’m so grateful fate brought us together.”

“I thought you didn't believe in fate,” she teased.

“I didn’t...until I met you.”

She smiled dreamily at the words, stretched on her toes and kissed the underside of his jaw.

Max tenderly put two fingers under her chin, raised her face, and then lowered his lips to hers. The kiss was short, sweet, and perfect for the moment, she thought, their foreheads leaning against each other.

“Let’s have a quick breakfast, and then I have to grab a shower and get dressed,” he said, stepping back. “I’ll make sure to be at home on time today. Maybe we can watch a movie or hit the blues club? A night out on the town. Would you like that?”

Sienna shook her head out of a daze as she glanced around the kitchen, her eyes narrowing as she put two and two together.

“Wait a minute.” She placed her hands on her hips. “Did you just practice the five love languages on me?”

She held up one hand and started counting. “Gave me coffee, complimented my appearance, kisses and hand touches, made my lunch, and a mouthwatering one at that, just because, and now quality time as a couple.”

Max just shrugged. “I read up on them last night, and they looked interesting. I didn’t know which was yours, so I figured I’d run an experiment and do all five.”

“I find that incredibly romantic,” Sienna admitted, mind boggling at the lengths he’d gone to at such short notice. “And also mildly terrifying because of how good you are at them.”

He smirked. “What can I say? Valentines are competitive as fuck and overachievers when we go after what we want.”

Max reached for her hand and tugged her close. “By the way, your love language is definitely acts of service. You practically had heart eyes when you looked at the lunch bag.”

“I know,” Sienna said. “I’ve always done things like this for everyone, but someone is looking after me for the first time in a long time. And it makes me feel so cherished.”

He squeezed her hand in acknowledgment. “In case you’re wondering, mine is quality time. I know I can be a workaholic at times. Okay, most of the time,” he amended when she made a face. “But spending time with you, just us, even if it’s having you hang out in my office while I answer emails? That’s what I love most.”

Hand in hand, they stood in the middle of the kitchen, eyes locked on each other. They needed to get to work, but both were loathe to let go of this perfect moment.

“Five more minutes?” she whispered.

“Five more minutes.”

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

All Fics & Edits: @annfg8 @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @doriopenheart @genevievemd @headoverheelsforramsey @lucy-268 @jamespotterthefirst @jerzwriter @lady-calypso @mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @socalwriterbee @takemyopenheart @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Max & Sienna only: @aallotarenunelma @storyofmychoices @kyra75

[liaromancewriter]

Book 2 Fics

🌼 (Fluff) | 🌵 (Angst) | 💋 (NSFW) | 🎭 (Angsty Fluff) | 🔖 (Series) | 🎨 (Text & Pic Fic) | 🎪 (Prose + Text & Pic Fic) | Ⓜ (Mature)

A/N: All stories are mostly canon-divergent, with nods to key events in the series. Ethan and Cassie decide to proceed with a relationship after her ethics trial at the end of book 1. There’s no background plot of Edenbrook closing or being bought by Bloom. 

Second Impressions 🎨🌼 It’s Cassie’s first day as a Junior Fellow on the Diagnostics Team. 

Sleeping Beauty 🌼 Ethan learns something new about Cassie.

May I Have This Dance? 🌼 Is there anything more romantic than slow dancing in the kitchen on a do-nothing day?

Strictly Professional 🌼 Ethan’s having a hard time keeping it strictly professional at work, especially when other doctors keep hitting on his girlfriend. 

Foodies 🎨 Cassie and Sienna enjoy a night full of foodie memories. Set around the beginning of second year. 

Closure 🎭 When an ex asks Ethan for a second chance, he realizes that the past is best left behind. 

Private Celebrations 🌼 After a major team win, Cassie’s in the mood to celebrate. When the drinks start flowing, Ethan discovers a new side to his girlfriend’s personality. 

Spill the Tea 🎨  Cassie has been dating Ethan (discretely) for a couple of months now and her family and friends want to know who the mystery man is. 

Bowling Blues 🎨 Cassie and her friends go bowling to blow off some steam on a weekday. 

Date Night - Part 1 🎨 Cassie reminds Ethan he owes her a date night and somehow things get heated from there.

Date Night - Part 2 🎨 Cassie and Ethan’s first date is everything she dreamed it would be and more, as seen through Cassie’s Pictagram posts.

Summer Romance 🌼 Ethan and Cassie define their status over breakfast, set early in their secret relationship. 

Have You Heard… 🌼 Naveen Banerji had always enjoyed Edenbrook’s rumor mill, but he can’t share the biggest secret of all.

Me Before You 🌵 Cassie’s worried when Ethan goes silent for the day and she can’t help but wonder if he wants out of their blossoming relationship.

Sex and Pizza 💋 There’s nothing quite like sex for working up an appetite.

Playing to Win 🌵 Cassie and Ethan disagree about the direction of the Diagnostics Team and their personal relationship becomes collateral damage. Can they compromise enough to get it back on track?

Sunday Brunch 🎪 After deciding to make their relationship public, Cassie’s nervous about how her friends will react while also wondering if Ethan would have regrets once they’re out in the open.

Weekend in Newport 🔖 Cassie invites Ethan to Newport to meet her family. How will this close-knit clan react toward the new lover in Cassie’s life? 

Sugar and Spice 🎨 Cassie, Sienna and Aurora unwind after a long day by baking fruit scones. 

Coffee Time 🎨 Cassie and the gang plan a coffee heist.

The Game 🎨 It’s the annual Edenbrook-Mass Kenmore softball game. Cassie’s ready for revenge, but can’t stop thirsting after her boyfriend.

Lost and Found 🌼 Cassie and Max celebrate their birthday under the Northern Lights and have a heart to heart about what’s happening in their lives. 

Forevermore 🌵 When Ethan Ramsey’s mother walked out on her family 25 years ago, he promised to never get close enough to anyone that could hurt him.

Last Night On Earth 🌵 If it’s her last night to live, there’s nowhere he’d rather be than by her side. 

Daddy’s Girl 🎭 A poignant moment between father and daughter after the poison attack.

Falling Into Dust 🔖 After surviving a deadly poison attack, Cassie struggles with guilt for her part in the tragedy and tries to find her way back to the person she was. 

Underneath the Tree 🌼 Cassie is in the mood to spread some Christmas cheer and her loved ones are happy to help. 

Under The Mistletoe 🌼 Ethan Ramsey is not one to kiss anyone under the mistletoe, but he’s willing to make an exception just once.

Wrapped in Red 🎨 Cassie and her friends recognize the importance of friendship during the holiday season.

Paper Anniversary 🎨 Cassie reminds Ethan it’s their first anniversary and gets the affirmation she needs.

Operation Cupcake 🎨 When Cassie finds out that Ethan is receiving baked goods from admirers, her curiosity goes on hyperdrive. 

Rumor Has It 🌼 When Ethan finds out about Operation Cupcake, he starts to have second thoughts about the nature of his relationship with Cassie. 

All About Tonight 🎪 Max invites Ethan for a guys’ night out, and Cassie feels left out. 

Black 💋 Planning a perfect Valentine’s Day dinner for your girlfriend should be commended unless you’re dating Cassie Valentine. 

Whatever It Takes 🎨 Cassie knows becoming a doctor requires hard work, but sometimes it’s too much.

Springtime 🎨 Cassie finds springtime weather in New England unpredictable. 

Cassie’s Day Off  🎨 Cassie enjoys a day off by herself, as told through social media.

A Time and A Place 🌼 Ethan Ramsey and Cassie Valentine’s relationship has seen its share of bumps on the road, but it’s finally smooth sailing. Are they ready to take the next step? 

Begin Again 🎭 Cassie needs closure on the events of the poison attack. 

Cheap Thrills 🌼   An ordinary evening turns extraordinary with a special invitation.

Family Stories 🎨 Cassie shares some family photos on social media and swaps childhood stories with Ethan.

The Flirting Game 🌼 Cassie ‘practices’ her flirting technique on Ethan, but she’s not the only one who knows the moves.

Try My Patience 🎨 Cassie is on night shift in the Emergency Department when things get a little more exciting than she had anticipated. 

Kiss Me Better 🌼 Ethan arrives at the hospital after finding out from social media that Cassie has been injured during night shift. A drabble to accompany the text and pic fic, Try My Patience. 

Too Late for Regrets 🌵 When Ethan Ramsey gets a second chance to build a relationship with his mother, he wonders if it’s too late for forgiveness.

Reminiscing 🎨 Cassie and Max swap pics and stories from their past.

Self-Reflections 🎨 Cassie’s journey to finding herself after the poison attack as told through changing hairstyles.

All This Time 🎭 Bryce Lahela wonders if it’s too late to shift the dynamic from friends to something more when Kyra Santana tells him she’s almost cancer free.

Beach Clean-up 🎨 Cassie is not happy about what she finds.