#f!mc x tobias carrick

[boneandfur]

Choices Flash Fic! DarkFic; Tobias x F!MC

Angels in Hell

@choicesflashfics #36. Uses prompt #2, "You’re allowed to fall apart a little."

A/N: I started writing this before I thought to grab a prompt, and it went to dark places. It was supplied to be a Harper x Ethan, but F!MC started talking... That's it. This fic is dark and I'm not sure why it came out, since it seems like the first chapter rather than a one shot. // Words: 1150 // Pairing: light f!mc x Tobias, acor MC x Antony (implied) // implied age gap relationship.

I always knew I'd end up working for the Outfit, from the time Uncle Tony caught me with a plastic stethoscope in my hands, to the day that Uncle Sam signed my soul over to the combat medical corps.

We need good people... like you, Chiara. You're the brains and Sy is the brawn. There will always be a place for the both of youse in the Outfit.

Is that because of Mama? I asked as I stood in front of Uncle Tony's desk and watched him swallow his grief along with his Campari, gold rings glittering. The shadow of two days beard was heavy on his jaw, and I yearned to reach out, to touch him, but instead crumpled the acceptance letter to Edenbrook in my pocket into a smaller and smaller ball, trying to keep my breathing steady as I watched him, the hero of my girlhood, the master of us all.

He set the glass down on his desk, the sound of it like the funeral bells that had gonged as the hearse pulled away from the cathedral steps in Little Italy, and I felt my throat tighten too. I swallowed my grief with my wine, clinking his glass in a toast. To her, then. I would always live in her shadow, until I could prove my worth.

Uncle Tony's eyes glistened wetly. Arin was a good woman. Bellissima... my tiger. You remind me of her, Princess. That blonde hair, and those eyes... Dio in paradiso, but she was a hurricane. And you are her very image...

Even though he'd married Octavia, I knew Mama had been the love of his life. Uncle Tony would have died for her, and nearly did. That was why I gave him my pledge of loyalty, right there in that room. A pledge for love, the kind that lasts beyond the grave.

And when I returned, I was no longer Chiara Valentine, Arin Valentine's little princess, but Chiara Valentine, combat medic and fast tracked through medical school due to all the strings pulled by Uncle Tony. It wasn't that I couldn't have done it on my own recognizance, but time was a luxury we didn't have after Doc Claudius had gotten his brains blown out by the Family, out in Drakovia. And Sy was in the clink. Again. For stealing cars from some gang in LA, connected to the Yakuza.

The Campari on the desk turned into the Negroni at the bar, and I was staring up into the golden eyes of my boss's and biggest mistake's biggest rival, the one and only Dr Tobias Carrick.

"Valentine." His upper lip curled, and I itched to smack the smugness right off his face, but I'd probably break a nail. After all, I was the Brains. I'd never fought anyone closer than fifty paces in my life, and we'd been in a tank. "Am I really that ugly, little princess, or do you scowl like that at all the plebs?"

If it were up to me, men like him would be six feet under, but I'd promised to hold my peace on mob soil, and the last thing Uncle Tony needed was a war with the Irish. Not that he'd do it for my sake -- it had been Mama who held his heart, and always would. So when I opened my mouth, what came out next surprised me. "I lost ... I lost someone. Today... it's the anniversary of her death."

"Bartender!" Tobias waved down the hipster serving white claw spritzers to the masses. "Get us a bottle of -- what's your poison, princess?"

"Limoncello." I didn't have to hesitate when the bartender slid the bottle down, and poured us two, on the rocks.

He prepared to knock back the entire glass when I caught him on the sleeve, for a moment looking thrown off his game, like he'd never seen a woman before. "Whoa there, Princess."

"Do you know what they say, Dr Carrick? They say that only the dead have seen the end of war. That's Plato. And don't call me princess." That's Antony's name for me.

"You’re allowed to fall apart a little." He touched my cheek gently, and it was only then that I realized I was crying. "Was it... a patient?"

What could I tell him? Of Afghanistan, and the starless desert skies that seemed to reach into the abyss, or of that single moment when my life changed forever? Or of how my life now seemed laid out before me in a single straight line with only a few stops along the way, Chicago to Afghanistan, to Boston and soon, soon, sooner than anyone could ever know, back again.

A pledge for love, the kind that lasts beyond the grave.

"She's been dead a long time." I wiped my cheek angrily with my sleeve, streaks of mascara coming away on it. "My mother. She died, and no one ever figured out what it was that killed her. That's why I'm here, really." I had never admitted the truth out loud before, to anyone.

Antony had come to find me at the barracks. I'd been barely eighteen, and one year in the army already. We'd drunk Limoncello til midnight, Arin Valentine's favorite drink, and we'd held one another and wept. In the morning, he'd left me with blood still drying on the sheets and an ache in my heart that no amount of Limoncello would ever ease.

A pledge for loyalty, until I stepped out of her shadow and proved my worth.

"Do you want to get out of here?" Tobias rubbed a hand over his stubbled jaw and held out a hand. "We can just walk, Chiara. You look like you need some air. I won't talk about old business tonight, and it's not a trick, I... I promise."

I took his hand, Dio in paradiso, heaven and hell. Eyes as gold as the sunless desert sands. "You can talk about it all you want, Tobias." I don't care if we win, after all, a snap of the fingers, a pouch filled with thirty pieces of silver, a handshake in a back room, that grant will end up lining the pockets of Edenbrook instead of Mass Kenmore, whether Tobias Carrick likes it or not.

I'll be going back to the Outfit, my mother's daughter, back to Antony. For I owe so much more to him than blood. Life and loyalty, and a love that never dies.

"Valentine?" Tobias waited by the door, jacket thrown over one shoulder, looking at me with a troubled question in his eyes. If I slid off the stool now, I'd have to make that choice. I'd have to face the truth about what drove me to this place, to Boston, to Edenbrook, and to stare at my own reflection in a glass of Limoncello as I counted the stars like the drops of blood in a vein, all the way down the bloody years.

Blood on my hands, blood on the sheets, washed clean by my tears.

Demoni in paradiso, angeli all'inferno.

Only the dead have seen the end of war.

[jerzwriter]

The Big ONE

Happy Birthday to little Samantha, who turned one on April 20th!

I asked @/artbyainna (IG) to help create artwork to commemorate the special occasion, and I'm simply squealing at the results! While Tobias and Casey are captivated with their little angel, Pietro is all too happy to jump in and get a bit of that cake he's been eyeing all afternoon! I'm just blown away by this!

I wrote a fic highlighting a few moments during Sammy's big day below. I hope you enjoy the sugary sweetness as much as I do!

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Tobias Carrick x Casey Carrick (F!MC) Characters: Vivian Carrick (F!OC), Jordan Carrick (M!OC), Rose and David MacTavish (OCs), the OH gang, and of course, Pietro - the original cat. Rating: Teen Words: 1,700 A/N: @choicesaprilchallenge24 / Kitchen Table

Standing at her kitchen sink didn't typically usher in so much joy, but then, today wasn't any ordinary day. Casey's heart was full as she peered out the kitchen window into her backyard. It was tiny by suburban standards, but in Boston, it may as well have been an acre. The storms that had been forecasted earlier in the week held off, and the bright sun and azure blue skies provided the perfect canopy for their guests who came to celebrate.

The telltale rattle of the backdoor handle interrupted the silence, and Casey turned to find her husband coming inside. He looked so gorgeous in the fitted pink shirt he bought just for this occasion that she didn't initially catch his expression. Was it bewilderment? Vexation? She couldn't quite make it out.

He reached into the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of Sam Adams. Popping the cap off, he leaned against the counter and shook his head.

"I can't believe there's a freaking petting zoo in my yard."

Casey chuckled as she closed the distance between them, her head coming to rest on his shoulder as her arms encircled his waist.

"It’s not like you weren’t warned... albeit inadvertently.”

“Still...” he sighed.

“You know, from what I’ve heard, this place was a perpetual petting zoo in the past. Of course, it wasn’t the G-rated type, but even so... this shouldn't be so foreign to you.”

She closed her eyes and pressed closer against him, relishing the way his chest reverberated against her as he laughed.

“While the stories of my past can be a bit on the wild side, they tend to be overexaggerated, my dear.”  

Casey squeezed him tighter. “I can’t believe our baby girl is a year old already.”

“I know,” Tobias replied with amazement. “It all went by in a flash.”

“It did,” Casey agreed. “Although, some of the nights felt like they lasted an eternity. Especially in the beginning. God, sometimes I didn’t think I’d survive.”

“You?” Tobias marveled. “No way! You had the whole motherhood thing down pat from the start. You're a natural, babe.”

“A natural?” She laughed. “Are you kidding me? From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I was a hyperventilating mess!" Her hands rubbed along the silky fabric covering his chest, and her voice filled with emotion. “If not for your bright outlook and constant support, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. You’re my rock, T.”

The tender moment was interrupted when the door handle rattled again, and several of their friends stepped inside.

“Jesus!” Jackie groaned. “Do you two ever stop with that lovey-dovey shit?”

“Aw! Leave them alone!” Sienna smiled. “I think they’re adorable.”

“I might be more accepting of that adorable title if it was any random day,” Bryce interjected. “But what the hell are you doing inside with this kissy face crap when you have a freaking petting zoo and bouncy house in your yard?”

“Yeah,” Tobias chuckled. “Ma didn’t read the memo when we said we wanted a simple party with our friends."

“She also didn’t get that none of our friends have children, and Sammy’s too young for friends of her own... I don’t know that we needed all this.”

“Are you kidding?” Bryce gasped in horror. Vivian is a goddess! I’ve been in the bouncy house for the past hour, and that little wallaby out there is now my best friend. You two really need to come out.”

“Oh, I will so be in the bouncy house before this day is over!” Casey enthused.

“And I’ll be there to gleefully record every second,” Tobias winked. “But we’re going to set up to have the cake in here now.”

A peal of laughter wafted in through the open window, and everyone looked outside to see Sammy flying through the air—her face aglow as she giggled with abandon.

“Give her back to me!” Tobias’s brother, Jordan, insisted as Ethan swung the little one around again.

“Sorry,” Ethan responded. “She’s made her position clear. I’m her favorite uncle. You’ll just have to acclimate to being number two, Jordan.”

“Number two,” Bryce blurted as he was about to stick his hand into the nacho dip. “He’s not number two! And Ethan’s not number one! Sorry guys, I have to get out there and reclaim my ground!”

Jackie heaved out a sigh. “I suppose I should go supervise the children.”

“And I’ll make sure she doesn’t hurt anyone,” Sienna said, quick on her friend's heels.

Tobias slid behind Casey, wrapping his strong arms around her as they watched the joyful scene unfolding outside.

“Oh, no! Our parents are getting in on this now,” Casey observed as Tobias kissed her shoulder. “We better go retrieve Sammy before she's more spoiled than she is already."

"Nah," Tobias declined. "She's in very good hands, and I want just one more moment alone with my beautiful wife."

Casey turned around in Tobias's arms and gently kissed him, but he turned that little kiss into one with decidedly more passion.

"Keep that up, and we'll end up with baby number two," she giggled.

"Damn, she's on to my plan," he winked.

~~~~

A short time later, the circus had moved inside as the guests crowded into the family's living room to open gifts.

“I was told we were coming inside for cake,” Bryce pouted. 

Vivian, seated next to him, promptly slapped his knee.

“OW!”

“It’s presents before cake, Lahela. Everyone knows that.”

“I don’t think Sammy would mind either way,” he replied but acquiesced when he saw how happy the little girl was ripping into the gift wrap on her presents.

“Look!” Sienna said, tapping Casey’s Mom, Rose, on the shoulder. “She loves the stuffed pony you got her!”

“She does,” Rose beamed. “Although Grandma Vivian supplied the real pony in the yard!”

“Yeah,” Casey’s father, David, laughed. “We’ll have to up our game next year, hon. Vivian here is stealing our thunder.”

“NO!” Tobias and Casey yelled in unison.

“Don’t worry,” Tobias insisted. “My mother is going to be banished from next year’s celebration! We can have some normalcy.”

“Like hell I will be!” she spat as Jordan roared with laughter.

“Please, you have a better chance of Derek Jeter being elected mayor of Boston than you do of Ma missing any of Sammy’s birthdays.”

“That’s right! This fool made me wait almost four decades to be a grandma, I'm not missing any of it now!"

Tobias wrapped his arm around his mother’s shoulders and squeezed her close. “I know you wouldn’t, Ma. And we wouldn't want you to, but... can we celebrate without so many animals next year?”

“I don’t know,” Vivian smirked. “I think it would be wrong not to include your friends.”

~~~~~

A pile of opened gifts sat stacked neatly in the corner as little Pietro played happily with the bits of colorful gift wrap that remained taped to the boxes. But the cat wasn’t the only one excited; after all, it was finally time for CAKE!

“Casey, you look great!” Jordan stated. “But, Tobias, I need you to move a bit to the right.”

“For God's sake,” Tobias groused. “Can you just take the picture already?"

“Can we start singing?” Vivian asked. "I want to sing to my grandbaby."

“As soon as I get this picture,” Jordan replied. “All right! Casey, Tobias... perfect! Now, everyone, help me get Sammy to look this way.”

Everyone gathered behind Jordan, making faces, clapping their hands, and doing all they could to get the precious little girl to look their way. But Sammy only had eyes for one thing... the fluffy pink birthday cake that was just outside of her reach. That is until her feline best friend hopped on the table, stealing her attention and leaving her squealing with delight.

Casey lifted him, placing him gently back on the floor. “Not on the table, Pietro.”

“Yeah!” Jackie replied smugly. “No cake for you.”

The cat hissed at his nemesis as the clamoring to get Sammy to look at the camera continued.

“Oh, for the love of God,” Tobias bewailed. “Can you just take the picture!”

“I sure can,” Jordan nodded. “On the count of three! One... two... three!”

But just as her uncle snapped the photo, Sammy lurched forward and grabbed a fistful of the cotton candy colored icing, and when Tobias attempted to intervene, he ended up with a tiny fistful of sticky, sugary goodness splattered onto his face. A family photo that would be celebrated for generations to come was born.

Beaming, Tobias lifted Sammy off Casey’s lap as her chubby little hands mashed the icing deeper into her father’s beard.

Laughing, Casey pulled her phone out of her pocket to snap some shots of her own. “Our little girl has you wrapped around her finger, T!”

Tobias reached over and pulled Casey close; the sticky icing became a family affair when he kissed her cheek. “She sure does. Just like her, Momma!”

Amidst all the chaos, Pietro saw an opportunity, and he took it! Leaping onto the table, he stuck his paws into the cake and delighted in his sugary bonanza until Casey spotted him out of the corner of her eye.

“Pietro! No!” she hollered as Jackie, the only one who had seen the cat on the table, broke out laughing.

“You saw him and didn’t rat him out?” Casey teased. "What's happened to you?"

Jackie merely shrugged. “You have to admire him. He wanted something, saw an opening, and took it. I’m not about to turn him in for that.”

"Are you and that cat... bonding?" Casey asked.

"I guess Sammy's birthday is capable of miracles."

~~~~~ 

Hours later, after the final guest had gone home, Casey and Tobias snuggled together on the couch. Sammy slept in her playpen just feet away while Pierto kept a protective watch over her. Despite being exhausted, the proud parents couldn’t wipe the grins off their faces.

“This was such a great day,” Casey smiled. “I knew it would be, but it exceeded all expectations.”

“It was a really great day,” Tobias agreed. “And I think Ma only violated three town ordinances by insisting a wallaby was included in the petting zoo."

“She didn’t break any ordinances,” Casey laughed, her eyes suddenly going wide. “At least, not any that we know of.”

“Well, if she did, we successfully evaded charges, and that's all I can ask for."

“Mmmm,” Casey hummed, snuggling closer to him. “So, do you still want to add another Carrick to all this craziness?”

Tobias sat up, his interest piqued. “Damn straight, I do. Honestly, I want our girls to be close together. Jordan and I had a big age difference, and I’d like Sammy to grow up with her sister, you know?”

“Tobias,” Casey chuckled. “You know we have no way of knowing if we'd have another girl!”

His eyes lit up, and that little dimple Casey found so irresistible took center stage. “Oh, yes, I do. Now the big question... are you ready to have bambina number two?”

Casey sunk back into the fluffy couch cushions with a smile. “Soon? Maybe we can start trying around the end of summer. You know, it might not happen right away, but if we start then, maybe Sammy can have a little sister... or brother... by the end of next year. What do you say?"

“First, sister,” Tobias grinned. “And it will happen right away. Look at how fast it happened with Sammy.”

“Babe, we weren’t planning on Sammy.”

“Exactly,” Tobias grinned, holding Casey close. "I work that damn well when we weren't even trying... you just wait until we are."

Sammy made a funny little noise, and when Mom and Dad realized she was just having a happy dream, they returned to holding each other close.

"Well, I feel a lot better right now than I did a year ago at this time," Casey stated. "I mean, a day of family and friends is a cakewalk next to labor and delivery."

"Yet, you're willing to do it again," Tobias chuckled.

"Yeah, I think I'll make it through," she smiled. "I love our little family, T."

"So do I," he said with a kiss on her forehead. "And I love you."

~~~~~

That's some serious sweetness here, my friends! I hope you enjoyed it... Pietro sure did!

@choicesficwriterscreations @choicesaprilchallenge24 @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately.

[alj4890]

Hii 🥰

I saw this picture and thought it might inspire a fic or an edit (no pressure 🥰)

I'm so sorry this took so long to answer @peonierose 🤦🏻‍♀️ I had a lot of Choices couples in mind for this picture 😂 It has taken me a while to think of just the right story for this one and I think I finally have. After seeing Ethan tortured in some of my fics recently, I decided to do a drabble of him and an OC I mentioned in A Glimpse. For this story, we see how these two got together.

(Ethan Ramsey x OC*Sophie Triano) with some urging from (Tobias Carrick x Chris Valentine) in a Choices Open Heart drabble

@hopelessromantic1352 @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @choicesficwriterscreations @jerzwriter

Rating G for fluff

Masterlist

Something Sweet

"How was Bora Bora?" Ethan asked.

"Perfection itself." Tobias replied. "Chris and I had the best time there."

Ethan studied him. "You don't look very tan for a man who has been on an island for two weeks."

Tobias smirked. "But I do look tan enough for a man who was on a honeymoon with his wife."

Ethan rolled his eyes.

"Where's Chris?"

"Studying with Sienna." Tobias replied.

He eyed Ethan for a moment. Since they were alone, he decided to find out what happened after he and Chris left their wedding reception.

"By the way, how did you get back to the hotel?"

"How do you think?" Ethan replied.

"Who gave you a ride?" Tobias asked.

"Your brother did."

"Which one?"

Ethan stopped trying to complete some paperwork. He leaned back in his chair, set his hands behind his head, and focused silently on Tobias.

"It was Hugh." He finally said. "Why?"

"No reason." Tobias grumbled.

Ethan went back to work.

"If you rode with Hugh, then you must have ridden with Veronica."

"That would be a logical assumption since she is married to your brother." Ethan drily remarked.

Tobias refused to comment on that. "And if you were with Veronica, then you must have met her cousin, Sophie."

Ethan glanced up, eyes narrowed.

"So?" Tobias moved Ethan's laptop to the side. "What did you think of her?"

"She seems nice."

"Nice?" Tobias groaned. "Come on, Ethan."

"Can we get back to work or do you feel the need to bother me a little longer?"

Tobias shook his head. "Sophie is just your type."

"You haven't known my type since college." Ethan pointed out.

Tobias quirked an eyebrow and waited.

Ethan glared at him for the reminder he had fallen for Chris too.

"Sophie looks nothing like her." He bit out.

"I know that, but she has some similar personality traits that I think you'll like."

Tobias decided to drop that brief comparison when Ethan glared bordered on murderous.

"Hugh told me Sophie moved to Boston."

"She moved back to Boston." Ethan corrected, grateful to not be talking anymore about finding a woman like Chris. "Veronica and Sophie are expanding their business. She opened a bakery here a couple of months ago."

"Have you been by yet?"

Ethan rubbed a hand down his face. "I haven't."

He held his hand up to silence Tobias the moment he saw his mouth open.

"If I say I'll go by later this week, will you drop the subject and let me finish what I was typing?"

"I'll drop it for now, but we are discussing it again and again until you go see her." Tobias smirked at him.

"You are a colossal pain in my ass, you know that?" Ethan grumbled. "Go find someone else to bother."

"And leave you alone?" Tobias clucked his tongue in disapproval. "That wouldn't be very-- where are you going?"

"To see Sophie." Ethan snapped. "Right now, I'll do anything to get you to shut up!"

Tobias watched him storm out of the diagnostic office. He then sent a quick text to Chris, letting her know she could come inside.

So far, their plan to help Ethan find someone was off to a great start.

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

"Don't breathe." Sophie whispered to those watching.

She carefully placed the last delicate sugar flower at an angle that defied gravity upon the five tier cake and carefully climbed off her step stool.

"Well?" She beamed at her staff. "What do you think?"

"I think we need to take them off now and store them before one breaks." Her store manager, Terry, declared. "You've got three more cakes to work on this week and the last thing we need is--"

"Ms. Triano!" One of the employees called out. "You have a visitor at the front."

Terry's voice went a higher octave when she began to leave.

"Sophie!" He cried. "The flowers!"

"They'll be fine." She winked at him. "You worry too much."

She chuckled over his look of disbelief.

Sophie couldn't help but be optimistic that all was working like she and Veronica planned. Ever since they were little girls with their Easy Bake ovens, they knew they wanted to open their own bakery one day. With their family's support, the two cousins graduated from the French Culinary Institute and opened up a bakery in New York.

It wasn't long before their cakes were featured in bridal magazines across the globe. Veronica and Sophie entered competitions on Food Network to gain even more exposure. Soon, they had orders years in advance for their baked treats.

They knew they should expand, but what made their cakes so popular, was that they each made every part of it themselves. They had staff to help with the mixing and all, but they were the true cake artists. Everything they designed from sugar blew everyone's mind.

For the first time in ten years, the cousins worked apart. Veronica needed to stay in New York with Hugh's work being there and their children were happy in their current schools. Since Sophie was single with no children of her own, she was the one to volunteer to open another bakery.

She'd wanted to come back to Boston for a while now. Though she thoroughly enjoyed working in New York, there was nothing like being back in her hometown. She needed that sense of comfort as she made all the decisions on her own. She still called Veronica multiple times a day, but this venture rested mostly upon her shoulders.

Sophie straightened her chef's jacket as she crossed into the main bakery. Cases gleamed under Edison bulbs revealing a variety of desserts. Cookies, tarts, pies, scones, cakes, etc. were all on display to tempt everyone who walked through her door. She did a quick visual sweep to make sure everything was up to her high standards before looking for her visitor.

Her eyes widened at the sight of the doctor she'd met at Tobias and Chris's wedding. Of all the people she thought she would see again, Ethan Ramsey seemed the least likely.

It wasn't that he ignored her at the wedding. He even talked to her about her bakery. He simply seemed to be preoccupied with something else.

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

Ethan watched as she made her way over to him. He'd thought she was pretty the night he met her, but seeing her in chef's mode brought a smile to his face. She was in her element and the confidence rolled off of her adding even more to her beauty.

"Hey." She smiled at him. "What are you doing here?"

"You said I could come anytime I wanted something sweet." He spread his arms. "Here I am."

"And just what do you crave, Ethan?" She teased. "Are you a sugary puff kind of man or do you want something bitter?"

"No sugary puffs" He walked over to look at her offerings. "Though I will admit that most of this makes me think a diabetic coma might be worth it."

She laughed. "Follow me, Dr. Ramsey."

His eyebrow raised as he followed her off to a smaller room. There was a table and a set of chairs along with a cooler filled with various drinks.

"Have a seat." Sophie insisted.

She sat down across from him, pulled out a small notebook from her pocket and clicked a pen open.

"Now then." She raised her eyes to his. "Would you mind answering a few questions?"

"For?" He countered.

"To learn all your secrets." She replied.

His eyes widened.

Sophie laughed, shaking her head. "Easy there. I was teasing you. I'm wanting to understand your palette."

Ethan actually flushed.

"Then, yes, go ahead."

"Just say the first word that comes to mind." Sophie told him. "Fruit?"

"Apple."

Sophie wrinkled her nose.

"What's wrong with apples?"

"Nothing. I'm not a big fan of them. I'm more of a berry girl."

Her gaze dropped down to his white doctor's coat. "Though I guess I shouldn't be surprised with you saying apple."

Ethan relaxed in his chair. "They are good for you."

"I'll stick with raspberries."

"I like those too." Ethan added.

"You do?" She set her pen down. "Do you like dark chocolate?

"I do." He replied.

Sophie got to her feet. "Wait here."

She went through a set of double doors and returned with a slice of chocolate cake covered in a dark chocolate ganache.

"Try this." She handed him a fork.

Ethan's eyes widened with the first bite. A medley of the tart raspberry compote with slightly sweet chocolate left him wanting more.

"Good?" She prodded.

"It's incredible." He took another bite. "Best cake I've had in a long time."

She beamed at him. "Talk like that will make you my favorite customer."

He chuckled. "I'm tempted to buy the rest of the cake."

"No need."

She went back through the double doors and before they could shut, she was back with a black box tied with a white bow in her hands.

"You boxed the cake up before I even tried it?"

Sophie nodded a touch proudly. "I knew you would love it."

"How much do I owe you?" He got to his feet, reaching for his wallet.

"It's on the house." She replied.

"Oh." Ethan took the box from her. "Thank you."

Terry stuck his head through the double doors.

"Sophie!" He hissed without looking at Ethan. "The flowers! Carlton bumped the table and gave me a mild heat attack. Get them back into storage!"

Sophie pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'll be right there."

"You have flowers too?" Ethan asked.

"No. I make them." She waved goodbye. "Drop by anytime Dr. Ramsey."

Sophie paused at the door and winked at him. "I might even give you something else you'll love."

Ethan blinked in surprise once she disappeared. He wasn't quite certain how to take her parting words.

He frowned in thought during the drive back to the hospital.

"She meant more desserts." He told himself. "That's all she could have meant."

Once at Edenbrook, he sat in his car a few extra minutes. He eyed the black box and knew why he couldn't stop trying to see hidden meanings in her words and actions. He'd allowed Tobias to get in his head about there possibly being something more with Sophie.

He refused to give it another thought. He was too busy and too intelligent to ponder what women meant when talking to him. Of course, if Sophie did mean it in a flirtatious manner, then he would naturally respond in either a flirty fashion of his own or cold disinterest.

He picked up the box, a hint of a smile on his lips as he thought of her knowing he would love her cake.

If she was interested in him, he might be interested in her to.

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

A couple of days later...

"Any plans for your days off?" Chris asked.

Ethan kept pace with her as they walked towards their patient's room. "I'm going to the ballet Thursday night. They are performing The Sleeping Beauty."

"Oh?" Chris couldn't help but smile. "That sounds awfully romantic."

Ethan softly groaned. He knew what was coming next.

"Do you have anyone in particular you're taking with you?" Chris prodded, trying her best to look innocent.

"Chris." Ethan grumbled.

"Yes?" She was completely unfazed by the way he said her name.

"Tobias is rubbing off on you."

"I do more than rubbing." Tobias remarked from behind them.

Chris swatted him playfully with the file folder in her hand.

"What are we talking about?" Tobias asked, once he was walking along her other side.

"Ethan has a romantic night planned." Chris explained before Ethan could get a word out.

"Really?" Tobias looked over her head at him. "About time."

"I was just about to find out who Ethan invited to share this romantic night at the ballet."

"The ballet." Tobias slipped his arm around Chris when he noticed Ethan's face contort into irritated anger. "Can't set the mood much better than that."

"Enough!" Ethan snapped. "I'm not taking anyone to the ballet!"

"Why not?" Chris stopped him from walking on.

She placed her hands on her hips and backed him into the wall with her narrowed eyes and clipped tone.

"Are you honestly going to stand there and tell me that you are going to spend an evening of dinner and ballet without a date?!"

"I," Ethan hesitated. "Um..."

There was something about Chris's temper that made everyone take a step back. Even he got caught off guard from time to time.

But he wasn't in any mood for it today.

He glared down at her. He decided he wasn't going to be cowed by his former protege.

"I am planning an evening of enjoyment for myself."

Chris threw her hands up in exasperation, almost hitting both Ethan and Tobias in their faces.

"Men!" She grumbled. "Such a waste of bloody oxygen half the time."

Tobias groaned. "Welp, you set her off for the day. No man will be safe."

Ethan winced when Tobias smacked him on the back of the head.

"Don't tell her about your evenings for a party of one." He began to follow his wife. "She won't like it, then I'm the one left to deal with the fallout."

"She shouldn't be interested in what I do." Ethan grumbled.

Tobias shot a frustrated glance filled with pity towards him.

"What?" Ethan demanded.

"Chris cares about you." Tobias reminded him. "Once she calls you her friend, there is no escaping her concern. You know this about her."

Ethan stopped in his tracks. It was strange that it didn't hurt as much anymore thinking about Chris caring about him as nothing more than a friend. After their tumultuous year when she first arrived at Edenbrook, then having to go through seeing her fall in love with Tobias; Ethan was surprised they had survived it all to end up friends.

Maybe he was ready to move on and see what could happen next.

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

He decided he was ready to have a significant other as he ate dinner alone. Going to the ballet without someone there to talk to had lost the allure it once held. He still enjoyed his solitude, especially with the friends he had somehow become stuck with. This evening though would have been perfect for someone special.

As he walked into the Boston Opera House's lobby, he bumped into Sophie.

"Excuse me--Ethan!" She smiled at him. "Hello."

"Sophie," he glanced around to see if she was with a date, "it's good to see you again."

"You too." She too tried to see if he was with someone. "Are you a fan of the theatre arts?"

"I am." He cleared his throat. "Are you here alone?"

"Yes," she rolled her eyes, "I was given the Mcculler's box in thanks for doing a rush job on a cake for one of their parties. I've been looking forward to this night for weeks but couldn't find anyone who wanted to see The Sleeping Beauty with me."

Ethan's lips curved some. "I've rarely found anyone who enjoys coming here as much as I do."

"Where are your seats?" She asked.

"The Mezzanine, center." He replied.

"I don't suppose you'd like to join me instead?" She held up the two tickets she'd been given. "If you're alone, that is."

"I'd love to."

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

Ethan spent most of the ballet studying Sophie. There was something about her that seemed to give a sense of peace that he'd never experienced with anyone else. She was completely still, yet relaxed in her seat. Her eyes followed the movements on the stage while a slight smile graced her lips.

He then took in the rest of her. Sophie's dark chestnut hair cascaded down her shoulders. The white dress she wore was flattering to her figure. His eyes drifted down to her hands loosely clasped in her lap.

She was, he noted, the exact opposite of Chris. He wondered if Tobias had done this on purpose. Unlike the very tall, pale skin, green eyed, red headed Scottish doctor he'd first fallen for, Sophie was of a more average height, caramel colored skin, topped off with a pair of dark brown eyes and hair.

She was striking in her beauty. He realized he hadn't really appreciated that fact the last couple of times he'd seen her. He suspected that getting over his former love had clouded his mind from taking in the lady beside him.

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

Sophie could practically feel Ethan's eyes on her. It took all her strength to remain relaxed in her seat. She couldn't recall the last time a man had studied her so intently. Men hit on her, but no one actually looked at her the way he was doing right now.

She didn't know if it was those piercing blue eyes of his or the type of man he was, but her nerves were notched so high that if he remotely made a move toward her, she'd probably tackle him where he sat.

She thought he was handsome the night she met him. She found him almost cute dressed as a doctor. But something about him in his suit, sitting beside her in the dark, made him almost irresistible.

Veronica told her she needed to get out and date more. Maybe she was right. Sophie had not been with anyone for nearly a year in preparing for the move back to Boston. Most of the men who came into her bakery were already in a relationship. It was rare anyone single came in, much less asked to speak to her.

Since she spent most of her time in the back decorating and supervising, she never had a chance to flirt with any of the few male customers who came in for treats to take to their offices.

Maybe that was why Ethan's attention affected her so strongly. She'd been longing for a relationship and hadn't even known it.

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

The lobby of the Boston Opera House...

"I was thinking about going to get something to eat." Sophie looked up at him. "Any chance you'd care to have a late dinner with me?"

Ethan hesitated.

Sophie immediately regretted asking him.

"I actually ate earlier." He glanced at his watch. "How--"

"No problem." She nervously tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. "Thanks for sitting with me."

Sophie began to walk away, waving goodbye to him.

"Wait!" He caught up to her. "I was about to ask if you'd rather come to my place for dinner. It's late and most of the restaurants that your dress is meant for will be closing."

"Oh." She couldn't help but smile. "I don't want to put you to any trouble."

"No trouble at all. I enjoy cooking on my nights off." He offered his arm to her. "How did you get here?"

"Taxi." She placed her hand within the bend of his arm.

"Good. Then I can drive you home later."

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

When Ethan pulled up to his apartment building, Sophie's jaw dropped.

"You live here?"

"Yes, why?" He asked.

"Because I live here!" She pointed at the building. "Twelfth floor. Apartment B."

"I'm on the seventeenth." He told her.

Ethan couldn't believe he'd been living in the same building as Sophie all this time yet had never crossed paths with her.

Or had he and he simply hadn't noticed?

"You won't have to worry about driving me home now." She teased.

He smiled at her. "I can still walk you to your door."

Sophie laughed while getting out. "I'd like that."

Once in the elevator, she turned towards him. "Would you mind if I stopped at my place first and changed clothes?"

"No."

"These shoes have to go." She told him.

Sophie grasped his arm to balance as she slipped the painful high heels off.

Ethan watched her with a touch of amusement as she scooped up the pair with a soft curse.

"I won't be long." She told him while stepping out on her floor, casting a warm smile at him over her shoulder.

"Seventeen B." He reminded her.

"I'll be there." She promised.

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

Ethan quickly undressed the moment he shut his door. Tossing the finely made suit jacket and pants into his closet, he next tackled his shirt and tie. He settled on a light blue t-shirt to wear along with a pair of blue jeans. While pulling his pants on, he stumbled cursing into his kitchen to see what ingredients he had on hand for Sophie.

Her knock a couple of minutes later made him steady himself. He paused a moment realizing that he was actually excited about the prospect of getting to know her a little better.

He opened the door to find her casually leaning against the door frame. She'd put on a t-shirt like he had along with a pair of jeans. Sophie held up a bottle of wine with a hesitant smile.

"I wasn't certain what we were going to have, but I can say this is an excellent pinot grigio."

Ethan took the bottle from her, his brow furrowing with what to cook.

"Uh oh." She teased. "Is my choice of wine that bad?"

He looked up at her. "Not at all. I was thinking of what I could pair with it."

"Honestly Ethan," Sophie set her keys on his side table, "I'm up for anything. A simple ham sandwich would be great right now."

He snorted as he led her into his kitchen.

"I think I can do a little better than a ham sandwich."

"Really?" She settled comfortably on one of his bar stools. "Well now I am curious to see your cooking skills in action."

"I doubt they compare to yours." He remarked over his shoulder.

He began to gather the ingredients to make Tuscan chicken.

"Anything's better than mine."

Ethan' eyebrows raised in disbelief. "Sophie, you own a bakery and develop recipes for it on a daily basis."

She waved that off as if it was no big deal.

"The thing is," she confessed, "I can make desserts in my sleep, but savory dishes are where I mess up."

"Are you saying that you--"

"Can't cook." She admitted with a grin. "It baffles everyone I meet. Give me sugar and flour and I'm good, great even. Hand me that chicken and tomatoes and spinach and I'm going to destroy them as soon as I put them into a pan."

Ethan shook his head with a laugh. "I'm the opposite."

"You can't make desserts?"

"Not even pancakes." He explained about the meals he used to cook for him and his father. "Dad would just bring home ice cream or a box of cookies for us to have with our meals. He insisted I never pick up a bag of sugar "

Sophie laughed, feeling more at ease around him.

As the two talked, Ethan went through the prep work with ease. He uncorked the bottle of wine then led her into his living room. The pair sat down somewhat close, angling their bodies toward each other as they continued to talk about their lives.

He discovered that the thirty-three year old was highly intelligent, not just in the culinary world but in other aspects such as business and even history. Her ability to use humor here and there with her stories only added even more to her ability to hold his attention.

After spending so much time at Edenbrook, Ethan had forgotten that people outside of medicine could be a nice change of pace. He also found that she could easily grasp what he was talking about as he described what he did on the diagnostic team. Her questions were well thought out and actually made him pause a time or two to consider the answers.

When dinner was ready, they sat at his table, lights dimmed as they continued learning about the other.

It was, he decided, one of the best meals he'd had in a long time.

"Ethan, that was amazing." Sophie declared.

"Thank you." He got up to take their empty plates.

"I insist on doing the dishes." She took them out of his grasp. "And to make you dessert in thanks for cooking for me."

"There's no need." He followed her to his sink. "Like I told you, it was nice to cook for someone other than myself."

"If you ever need to do so again," she winked at him, "I won't be opposed to you calling me."

"Don't be surprised to hear from me often." He smiled at her, reaching over to finish up the dishes. "Go relax. I know you've been on your feet all day."

Sophie shook her head. "I feel reenergized. I haven't had a home cooked meal since I moved back to Boston. I sponged off Hugh and Veronica's meals once a week in New York along with having a set of restaurants around town to deliver my favorite comfort foods."

Sophie went into his pantry. Her eyes darted here and there as she went through the ingredients he had on hand. After another peek into his fridge, she set out everything to make a quick batch of sugar cookies.

"I see you found the raspberries I picked up earlier today." He teased.

Sophie blinked then remembered their conversation in her bakery.

"I hope I inspired such a wise decision." She quipped.

"You did." He picked up one of the cartons she'd set out. "Want me to clean these for you?"

She nodded while measuring her dry ingredients.

Ethan watched fascinated as she went through everything without having to check a recipe. She moved with a precision he'd only seen in the operating theater at Edenbrook.

"These won't be as pretty as my cookies at work." She explained while dropping spoonfuls on a cookie sheet. "But they'll still taste just as good.

"And what are the raspberries for?" He asked.

"Frosting of course." She smiled at him. "And I'm going to teach you how to make it."

"I believe I told you that sugar and I don't get along in the kitchen." He got up and came around the counter.

"And yet you have powdered sugar in your pantry." She teased.

"That was a mistake." Ethan explained. "The grocery store was out of granulated sugar and for some reason the delivery person assumed powdered could be substituted in its place."

Sophie laughed over the disgruntled expression on his face.

"I bet your coffee hasn't been the same since."

"It hasn't." He grumbled, smiling as he looked at her. "You can take that powdered sugar with you. After tonight, I never want to see it again."

"You'll want it after this lesson." She nudged him with her elbow. "Just imagine the look on your father's face when you present him with a cake or cookie with your homemade frosting."

"That's assuming I can make it or even the pretend cake and cookie you added to this scenario."

"Shh!" She playfully scolded. "You're ruining my future triumph."

"If I learn this," Ethan countered, "then you'll have to let me teach you something next time."

Sophie lowered her head, fighting a huge smile. "Next time, hmm?"

"You'll be learning how to make one of the dishes that you consider your comfort food." He told her.

"And when would this lesson happen?" She prodded, pretending to direct her attention to his food processor.

"I'm off tomorrow." Ethan stepped a little closer to her. "Or if next week at this same time would be better for you..."

"Either works for me." She added some more raspberries to the food processor. "I have tomorrow off too since I'll be working Saturday."

Ethan's voice held a touch of heat when he moved even closer to her.

"Then tomorrow it is."

Sophie could feel her heart race as she looked up at him. Her eyes fluttered closed the moment his lips brushed hers in a soft, tender kiss.

She sank into him the moment the kiss deepened. Her arms wound around his neck, fingers drifting into his hair as he molded her to his body.

The oven's buzzer broke them apart.

"That was a devious way to get out of your cooking lesson." She teased once she removed the cookies from the oven. "I'll have to remember to use it tomorrow night."

Ethan chuckled, moving behind her. He slipped his arms around her waist, placing slow unhurried kisses along her neck.

"We should work on the frosting." She bit back a moan when his hands began to wander.

"Doesn't the butter need to be room temperature?" He muttered against her ear.

"You're right." She turned in his arms, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss that left him moaning.

She ran her hands down the hard planes of his chest, a slight smile curving her lips.

"We have anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour to allow the butter time to reach room temperature."

"I think an hour would be best." He tugged her toward his couch. "Don't you?"

"I do." She gasped when he yanked her into his lap. "Maybe even longer."

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

Two days later...

"What's this?" Tobias gestured to the plate of cookies.

"I did some cooking while off." Ethan told him.

Chris reached over to try one. She made a humming sound of delight.

"These are so good! I love raspberries."

Tobias reached for one. "I didn't know you baked, Ethan."

"I'm learning." He replied with a smirk.

Chris and Tobias shared a loaded glance.

"Is there someone giving you lessons?" Chris asked.

She couldn't help but be hopeful that a certain pastry chef was becoming a part of his life.

"There is." Ethan picked up the case files and smiled at the couple. "Expect a lot more treats like those these next few weeks."

[lucy-268]

Karma

Series/Pairing: Open Heart - Tobias Carrick x f!MC (Samantha Carlson)

Disclaimer: Most characters belong to PB, Samantha is sort of mine

Other Characters: Bryce Lahela, Sienna Trinh

Rating / Warnings: PG / none

Summary: After Samantha and Tobias break up, Tobias has regrets.

Comments/Notes: This is an AU. Tobias and Sami are (probably) very happy right now. @openheartappreciationweek Day 5 - Alternate Universe

Word count: ~375 

Sienna and Bryce stood in front of Samantha’s desk. “You’re coming to Donahue’s with us.”

Sami shook her head. “I’m not. I’m staying here and finishing up paperwork.”

Bryce moved around and sat himself on her desk, effectively blocking her view of her computer screen. “You spend more time here anymore than…”

“Than I used to when you started your internship,” Ethan’s voice drifted from the door of her office. “I am telling you that you need to get out of the hospital for a while.”

“If your boss is telling you that, you really need a break.”

“I’m not going to Donahue’s.”

Bryce and Sienna glanced at each other before he spoke. “Actually, you can. Tobias is going… somewhere else tonight.”

Samantha looked at Sienna. “Does he have a date?”

“I don’t know.”

“He doesn’t. He has a poker game that I am late for,” Ethan answered, checking his watch.

Sami logged off her computer, and stood up. “To Donahue’s, I guess.”

Two hours later, Tobias pushed opened the door to the bar. He looked throughout the room trying to find her. He spotted Bryce with some of the surgeons shooting darts.

Jackie and Aurora were talking to a couple of guys at the bar.

Sienna was at a table by herself.

Tobias frowned. Surely her friends wouldn’t bring her here to desert her. Maybe Ethan was wrong and she had decided not to come. He shook his head, that was unlikely. Tobias headed to Sienna, hopefully she would be willing to let him know where Sami had gone.

“Sienna, the next round is on me.” Sienna’s phone dropped to the table at the sound of Tobias’ voice. Her eyes moved to the dance floor before refocusing on Tobias, but he had caught the movement of her head.

“That’s that new orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Elliott.”

Sienna sipped her wine. “Dan went to Stanford with Bryce.”

Dan leaned down to Samantha. “He’s heading this way. Do you want to talk to him?”

“Can I cut in?” Both men looked at Samantha waiting for her answer to Tobias’ question.

“Not tonight. I have an early meeting and Dan said he’d drive me home. See you tomorrow, Dr. Carrick.” Tobias was left standing alone in the dance floor as his girlfriend, his ex-girlfriend, walked off with someone else.

to be continued…

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @openheartappreciationweek

[openheartfanfics]

Tobias x F!MC: Pure Fluff

One Shots: I - R

In a Pickle - @jerzwriter ☁ Spend a typical Wednesday night with Tobias and (a very pregnant) Casey as they snuggle up to watch one of their favorite television shows, Abbott Elementary.

In the Middle of the Night - @jerzwriter  Casey's now in her third trimester, and she can't sleep through the night, and that means Tobias isn't either. Luckily, they make the best of it together.

Interrupted Plans - @alj4890 💘 Tobias and Chris spend first Valentine's Together after they go public (after the attack).

It Had To Be You - @jerzwriter   Tobias explores Casey’s crushes, and is in for a surprise.

It's all relative... - @jerzwriter   Casey and Tobias are starting their fall weekend with lunch at their favorite café. Tobias insists the younger waitress is flirting with him, but Casey bets that he’s wrong.

Just A Little Faith - @jerzwriter 🎄 Casey and Tobias reflect on how they have changed as they await Christmas day.

Just Fine! - @jerzwriter    Tobias stumbles upon a shaken Bryce... who tries to warn him about what he's in for.  But Tobias has things under control... or does he?

Karma is... a Barbie Premiere - @jerzwriter Tobias scores tickets to the biggest event in Boston, and he & Casey each invite a friend. When they learn who each invited, the wheels start spinning. Ethan Ramsey x F!OC; Tobias Carrick x F!MC

Part 1 | Part 2

Kind Of Our First Valentine's Day - @jerzwriter 💘 First they were obsessed. Then she hated his guts. Then they were friends. Then he fell in love. And so did she, but she wouldn’t admit it. And now it’s Valentine's Day, so what do they do?

Last Stop - @jerzwriter  The best friends just recently turned into a couple.  One late night, they get into a battle of wills until they realize they've got nothing to debate after all.

Learning Curve - @jerzwriter  It's "Bring Your Child to Work Day," and Sammy has some preconceived ideas about how it will go, but at the end of the day, she's in for some sweet surprises.

Look to the Future - @lucy-268 Decisions need to be made about the future.

Love in the Afternoon - @storyofmychoices  Tobias and Casey enjoy an afternoon dance.

ME! - @jerzwriter   Casey's just agreed to semi-officially live with Tobias, and it leads to some unusual conversations.

Men of Hopkins - @jerzwriter Tobias keeps teasing Casey about an embarrassing secret from her past. She asks Ethan won’t help her find some old dirt on Tobias, but she’s undeterred. What she uncovers is shocking… and she learns why Ethan didn’t want it unearthed too.

Morning Person - @jerzwriter As a new couple, Tobias & Casey wake up together, ready to greet the world in a brand new way.

Mostly Pleasant Surprises - @jerzwriter   It’s Tobias’s birthday, and his good “friend” Casey is not sure what to do about it. With the help of Sienna, she came up with a great idea, but will someone bring it all crashing down at the end?

Mystery Unlocked: A Night of Intrigue at Edenbrook - @storyofmychoices Ethan keeps skipping out on their Escape the Room group date nights, so they bring the mystery to him. Feat. Bryce Lahela x F!OC, Ethan Ramsey x F!MC, Tobias Carrick x F!MC

No One Else - @jerzwriter 💘 Misunderstandings, changes in plans, a blast from the past, and secret admirers threaten to turn Tobias & Casey's first second Valentine's Day upside down.

Part 1

No Time Like the Present - @alj4890  A rewrite of the confession scene from Love Actually.

Not So Fast - @jerzwriter 💘 It's their fourth third Valentine's Day together, and it looks a little different than the rest. Still, all is going well until Tobias drops a little bombshell.

Not Tonight - @jerzwriter  Ⓜ How does Tobias handle the first time Casey says “not tonight”? What about when the tables are turned?

On The Run - @alj4890 Just a short drabble of Chris seeing what kind of doctor Tobias is once he’s at Edenbrook.

On the Spot - @jerzwriter 👻 It's their first Halloween as parents of two, and things are a little crazy at the Carrick's, but it's nothing they can't handle.

One Summer Night... - @jerzwriter The lights are out in Boston in the middle of a heatwave, and no one is sleeping, but it is a night full of sweet memories for Tobias & Casey... once they cool off.

Open Heart Drabble - @lilyoffandoms  A drunken night of merriment. Feat. Tobias x F!MC, Bryce x F!MC, and Ethan x F!MC

Our Little Surprise - @jerzwriter During a toast at their wedding, Tobias & Casey share a little secret they've been keeping.

Over the Top - @alj4890  This takes place about a month after the attack and when Tobias and Chris return from visiting her family in Scotland.

Repercussions - @jerzwriter Late-night cravings and lots of love.

Reporting for Duty - @jerzwriter   Tobias’s accepted a position at Edenbrook, and it will be a good... and bad... adjustment.

_

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

[choices-february2023]

Masterlist Week 2

Immortal Desires

Indigo Night | Cassius Harlow x NB!MC; NB!OC - @aallotarenunelma

Open Heart

Abundance | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @jerzwriter

After Dark Part Two: Satisfaction Guaranteed | Bryce Lahela x F!OC - @storyofmychoices

Death Stare | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @headoverheelsforramsey

No One Else... Part 1 of 2 | Tobias Carrick x F!MC; Ethan Ramsey; Sienna Trinh - @jerzwriter

Not the Right Person | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC; Sienna Trinh; Aurora Emery - @lucy-268

Sadie's Self Care Sunday #22 | F!MC; Sienna Trinh; Jackie Varma; Aurora Emery; Kyra Santana; Esme Ortega - @peonyblossom

Simple Pleasures | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter

The Unexpected Valentine | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC; Sienna Trinh; Bryce Lahela; Jackie Varma; Elijah Greene - @liaromancewriter

Unhealthy Snack | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @potionsprefect

Valentine Memories | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC; Alan Ramsey - @liaromancewriter

Perfect Match

Noot Noot | Sloane Washington; F!Hayden Young; F!MC - @lizzybeth1986

Crossover: The Royal Romance x Open Heart

The Galentine’s Day Queens | TRR F!MC; OH F!MC; TRR F!OC; TRR M!OC - @bebepac

[choicesficwriterscreations]

Comfort & Care

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC Rating: General Author: @storyofmychoices

[peonyblossom]

Mood Music Monday Fall Preview

@moodmusicmonday

[jamespotterthefirst]

You & I (1/3)

Book: Open Heart, beyond Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Lilac Allende-Ramsey) Word count: 950 Rating/ Warning: Teen

Premise: Her husband’s colleague seems a bit too interested in him. Dread sets in when they have to go on a work trip together.  

Note: This is based on a really old anon who asked: “has anyone every come between Ethan and Lilac?”

The busy airport moved past them at an unrelenting pace. The clamorous mix of rushing passengers and unintelligible overhead announcements only made his nerves coil tightly. He hated people who were always tardy. Even more, he hated being made late by said people. For the countless time in twenty minutes, Ethan craned his neck over the crowd, his foot tapping impatiently against the linoleum floor.

Beside him, a soft laugh brought him back to the present.

“You don’t have to lift your neck to see over all these people, babe. You’re more than tall enough.” Gentle hands on his bicep beckoned him to look down at his wife’s glowing face. “They’ll be here any minute. Just relax.”

“I am relaxed,” he returned, convincing exactly no one.

Lilac gave him a knowing little smile, patting his arm. “There’s a Dunkin over there. I’ll go get you some tea. That’ll help.”

Ethan reeled back slightly in mock offense. In turn, it made her laugh heartily, the sound feeling like home to him.

“Fine. I’ll get you coffee if you promise to stop fidgeting.”

After a half-hearted promise to try, Lilac disappeared into the crowd. Ten minutes later, he spotted the familiar figure of Tobias Carrick. Even from a distance, Ethan could tell he was grinning broadly, as though being nearly late for a flight was the funniest thing in the world. Beside him was Doctor Heather Finnegan, a prestigious Oncologist at Mass Kenmore. Her ruby lips stretched into a smile at seeing Ethan and her pace quickened.

“Sorry we're late,” she said as a form of greeting. “We hit really bad traffic.

“I'm surprised you haven't pulled your hair out,” Tobias laughed, looking around for an available check-in kiosk. He was fortunate he found one a few feet away and missed the death glare Ethan threw his way.

“And what a shame that would be,” Doctor Finnegan muttered, moving her gaze up to Ethan's hair.

Frowning, he opened his mouth to express his confusion, but a pair of familiar hands fell on his forearm. Lilac had returned, to-go coffee cup in hand. She held it out to Ethan, along with a small paper bag.

“Coffee just how you like it. And since the TSA line looks like hell, I got you an apple fritter.”

Ethan smiled down at his wife. “You should've gotten one for yourself.”

“I did,” she grinned, holding up a second paper bag to show him.

Her excitement was so endearing that he leaned down to kiss the top of her forehead.

“Ah, shoot. I was going to treat everyone for breakfast once we got through security,” Dr. Finnegan said.

“You and Tobias can go ahead. I'll be okay with this.”

“Gotta be careful.  You know what calories can do to a person.” Dr. Finnegan admonished in a lilting tone. A small smile remained as she looked from Lilac back to Ethan. “Plus, all that sugar is horrible for you.”

“The coffee's black. I'll live.”

She laughed, interrupted only by Tobias's distant shout. The young doctor excused herself and joined Tobias at the check-in kiosk. When they were finally alone, Ethan turned to face his wife, ready to tell her just how much he'd miss her.

The frown on Lilac's face, however, gave him pause.

“What's wrong?”

Lilac hesitated.

“Have you ever noticed Heather acts weird around me?”

“Weird how?”

She shrugged.

“I don't know,” Lilac sighed. “She rarely ever says hello to me directly and whenever I'm in the room, she gets serious.”

Ethan frowned but his wife barreled on before he could say anything.

“Normally, that'd be fine. I don't have to be friends with everyone, but there's other things.”

He scrunched his brows, urging any recollection of these instances.

“Take right now, for example,” Lilac pressed on, determined now. “She stiffened when I came back with your coffee. And when she said that thing about calories, her eyes moved to me. I could've sworn she looked down at my stomach.”

“You're pregnant.”

“Yes, but she doesn't know that. No one does yet. And even if she did know, that's completely inappropriate.”

Ethan nodded slowly, agreeing on that point.

“You think she dislikes you.”

Lilac nodded quite solemnly.

“What reason would she have for that? As far as I know, you two haven't interacted prior to my move to Mass Kenmore.”

“Oh, I don't know. Maybe because I'm sleeping with the man she's attracted to?”

Ethan blinked.

“You, Ethan. I mean you.”

“I gathered that.”

Simultaneously, their eyes moved to the blonde doctor currently laughing with Tobias. Ethan looked back at his wife, struggling to read the seemingly neutral expression on her face. He chose his words carefully.

“You might be reading too much into this.”

As he expected, Lilac tensed, taking a step back. Those alluring green eyes he loved so much rippled with surprise and betrayal.

“I’m not imagining things, if that’s what you mean.”

“That’s not what I meant but—”

“You know how saying ‘but’ contradicts everything that came before it.”

“Lilac.”

“Fine. I’m seeing things,” she returned, pressing her mouth into a thin line. “Forget I said anything.”

“Lilac, can we please—”

But his plea was cut short by Tobias’s enigmatic shout, informing him it was time to go. Ethan glanced up in time to see Tobias gesturing toward the TSA line. Heather stood quietly beside him, observing Ethan and Lilac with what appeared to be curiosity.

“I have to go.”

Ethan was reluctant to move, not wanting to leave her side. Lilac’s irritation had dwindled down to silent sadness and somehow, that was worse. Very gently, he leaned in to give her a quick kiss.

“I love you,” he reminded her.

“I love you,” she returned. “Have a safe trip.”

The three words that usually brought him so much comfort did little to appease the uneasy feeling in his gut.

Note: Part 2 is done and will be posted soon! Thank you so much for reading! 

[liaromancewriter]

Control What You Can Control

Premise: Ethan has second thoughts about a new phase in his life.

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff Words: 1,100

A/N: Late submission for @choicesflashfics week 58, prompt 2. I'm also using week 59, prompt 3.

The summer sun was high in the sky, its sharp rays shining through the treated glass ceiling. Where the city streets battled sweltering temperatures, the hospital atrium was a cool and bright hub of activity. Patients, visitors, nurses and doctors glided around each other like actors on a stage.

From his vantage point on the seventh-floor gallery, Ethan Ramsey watched the familiar scene unfold below. There was a time when he’d stand at the windows of his old office and gaze down at the emergency drop-off area. Sometimes, it was the only time he had to himself in the day to just think.

There was a simplicity to his life he missed now that he was chief of medicine. He missed working with patients most of all, solving the puzzle of what brought them to the hospital, that moment when a diagnosis just clicked.

Now, it was all over, he sighed morosely, tightly gripping the edge of the steel handrail. And he wished he could go back and do it all over again.

“You look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders, Chief. Having second thoughts about the wedding?”

Ethan rolled his eyes at the glib comment from Tobias Carrick, his former nemesis slash colleague slash occasional friend slash permanent pain in the ass.

“No, just contemplating how much lighter life would be without your unsolicited commentary,” Ethan shot back sarcastically.

He scowled at the other man over his shoulder. “It's like mental weightlifting, really, and more intense than any wedding jitters.”

“Who’s having wedding jitters?” Cassie Valentine asked absently, eyes on her phone as she joined them.

“Your fiancé,” Tobias smirked. “His sigh was ponderous enough to sink the Titanic. Might want to check if you can get your deposits back.”

Cassie’s gaze zigzagged between them before her green eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Tobias, are you riling Ethan up for no reason?”

“How could you ask me that?” Tobias feigned offense.

Ethan grinned when Cassie stared Tobias down, using her haughtiest and most severe expression. It was one he’d seen her use only when someone or something truly vexed her and reminded him of why people called the Valentines American royalty.

For once, Ethan was glad not to be on the receiving end of it.

Tobias held his palms up in a universal gesture for peace, but Ethan could see him sweating bullets. Served him right, he thought. Ethan grinned wickedly as the other man made some excuse and rushed off.

“Are you having second thoughts about the wedding?”

Ethan silently groaned at Cassie’s question. He looked away from his perusal of Carrick’s retreating back to find her watching him. She was more curious than concerned, and he figured that was a good sign.

“Not about the wedding, no,” he said, taking her hand in his. “I was just reflecting on this past year, everything that’s happened.”

Cassie peered into his eyes, and he knew she could read him like an open book. “You’re having second thoughts about your job.”

“Maybe.” Ethan shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m enjoying the challenge, finally having the power to change things from within. And god knows the residency program needs an upgrade. But…”

“You miss seeing patients, doing research,” she finished astutely.

“Yes,” Ethan admitted, leaning against the railing. “Oh, what the hell.” He crossed his arms defiantly. “I sometimes, very rarely, mind you,” he warned, “miss teaching interns too.”

Cassie burst into laughter, her eyes twinkling as she threw her head back in an uninhibited display of amusement. Her laugh was loud and contagious, making everyone’s head turn in curiosity.

“You miss interns,” Cassie gasped out the words, still chuckling. “That’s like the funniest thing I’ve ever heard!”

Her shoulders shook, and tears leaked from the corner of her eyes.

“It’s not that funny,” Ethan grumbled, somewhat annoyed by her reaction.

He shook his head and turned to walk away, but Cassie held up a hand to stop him.

“I’m sorry,” she said sincerely, lips upturned in a smile. “I shouldn’t have laughed. But, I’m trying to reconcile the man I met in intern year with the one standing before me.”

“That was then. This is now. People change,” Ethan muttered.

When Cassie threw him a disbelieving look, he unfolded his arms and rolled his eyes. “Okay, fine. I don’t actually miss interns.”

“Thank god.” Cassie leaned into him. “You had me going there for a second.” She slipped one arm around his back. “Seriously, though. My grandfather always taught us if we don’t like how something is, change it.”

“This is the same grandfather that threatened to cut you off when you applied to med school instead of joining the family business?” Ethan asked skeptically.

“Yes, but,” she said, waving her hand dismissively, “he’s right more often than he’s wrong. My point is, Ethan, it’s up to you to find a way to make the job your own.”

“What does that even mean?” he said, confused. The job was the job. He knew that going in.

“Take shifts in the community clinic, take over the care of your former patients, undertake a research study.” Cassie listed things off on her fingers. “You can be the chief of medicine and a doctor. Balance your workload by hiring a medical director to do the things you don’t enjoy or won’t have time for.”

Cassie pressed on when he remained silent. “Naveen chose you because you’re what Edenbrook needs, not because you’ll do the job like anyone else would.”

Ethan turned over her words in his head, thinking through the ramifications of changing things. It could be done, of course. There was at least one hospital that he knew of that did what Cassie was proposing. Maybe there were more?

“I need to think about this,” he said eventually. “That’s good advice, though.”

“Don’t sound so shocked,” Cassie laughed. “I’m the head of Edenbrook’s famed diagnostics team, after all, and pretty remarkable at diagnosing what’s wrong.”

“And so modest, too,” Ethan quipped, placing a swift kiss across her lips. “Thank you.”

“Someone brilliant once told me, ‘Control what you can control.’ Well, this is something you can control,” Cassie added when he smiled at hearing the familiar words.

He folded her in his embrace. “Brilliant, you said?”

“Handsome, too,” Cassie smirked. “Alas, his tongue can be acerbic, and he refuses to do dance challenges with me on TikTok.” She snickered. “But, I love him anyway.”

He lowered his head, lips hovering above hers, tantalizingly close. “Then it’s a good thing he loves you too.”

And then he kissed her.

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

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

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

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

[peonierose]

Masterlist

☁️ (Fluff) | 🎭 (Angst) | Series 📚 | 📱 (Text Fic / Social Media) | 🔥 (NSFW) | Ⓜ️ (Mature) | 🃏 (Teen) | 🌈 (LGBTQ+)| 🎨 (Artwork)| 🎁 (Gifts from friends)

Open Heart

Set after OH ended

Pink Lemonade ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary:

Las hijas de Luna ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: It’s time for Luna and Bryce to welcome their twins into the world. Will there be any complications? Or will the birth go without a hitch?

Don‘t call me Angel ☁️ | - Characters involved: Luna Auclair (F!OC - OH), Bryce Lahela (M!MC - OH), Tobias Carrick (M!MC - OH, Maxwell Beaumont (M!MC - TRR) and Bertrand Beaumont (M!MC - TRR)

Summary: Luna helps Tobias to polish his image. Will she be successful?

Losing Game (4/4) 📚 🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce and Luna have worked things out. But there is still one visit to make before Bryce and Luna find closure.

Losing Game (3/4) 📚 🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce visited his dad in prison and now he and Luna are oceans apart, but after a scare during his surgery he can only think of one person to call.

Losing Game (2/4) 📚 🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce comes back from visiting his father in prison. Though he didn’t tell Luna. Will things work out between them? Or will they drift further apart?

Losing Game (1/4) 📚 🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary:  Bryce visits his dad in prison. How will that go? Will they reunite or will they stay apart forever? 

Summer‘s Kiss ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Luna and Bryce enjoy a bit of alone time together by Manoa Falls.

I‘m a Sucker for You ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela

Summary: Bryce and Luna spend some time on Valentine‘s Day (even though they’re not the biggest Valentine’s Day fans). With one or two presents in between.

Rosé all Day ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Keiki Lahela (F!MC), Evie Auclair (F!OC), Soraya Auclair (F!OC), Meilani Leahi (F!OC) and Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary:  It’s Maxines birthday on February 14th, but Luna knows that Maxine doesn’t like Valentine‘s day. So she and the girls spend some quality time together. Drinking eating, and playing some games.

Looks like Pizza to me ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Soraya Auclair (F!OC), Evie Auclair (FOC), Skyler Auclair (M!OC)

Summary: Luna, her cousins Soraya, Evie and Sky make pizza and debate if pineapple belong on pizza or not. Who will win the debate?

Cake by the Ocean ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Before Bryce and Luna get a special surprise before their cake testing. Are they ready for this next step in their relationship?

A Pinch of Pink and Blue...This one's for you ☁️🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce and Luna have the talk about trying for kids. Are they ready for that yet?

Go Blonder ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce makes a bet with Jackie. What happens if he loses?

I Do ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Hayley. Valentine-Ramsey (F!MC)

Summary: Bryce, Luna and their friends and family were invited to attend Ethan and Hayley‘s wedding.

My Love won't let you down ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Soraya Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Skyler Auclair (M!OC) and Evie Auclair (F!OC)

Summary: Soraya is heartbroken. Luna, Bryce and Luna's cousin Sky and Evie help her go through it.

Paint Wars ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce and Luna turn painting into an afternoon of fun.

A new Chapter ☁️ 🎭 📱 | - Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Keiki Lahela (F!MC), Luna Auclair (F!OC) and Dylan Yu (M!OC)

Summary: It’s prom night for Keiki, but it’s not exactly how she pictured it would go.

'How were we ever strangers...' ☁️ 🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Luna wants to ask Bryce to marry her, not knowing Bryce wants to ask her too. Will they get a chance to ask each other?

By a Landslide ☁️ 🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce and Luna take a trip to Hawaii, though they have a tough decision to make.

'I'll love you through the Madness, babe' ☁️ 🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: It’s Henry's anniversary, Bryce's best friend. Someone at work made some nasty comments and Bryce got into a fight. Luna tries to cheer him up a bit.

Go with the Flow ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce gets Luna to try out surfing. It doesn't go as planned.

Always & Forever ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Luna decides to get a tattoo. But she's scared to get one alone so Bryce goes with her.

Only Love ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce shows Luna how to french braid, since she can't do it.

Cinnamon Sugar ☁️ | - Maxine Moore (F!OC) x Adam Sinclair (M!OC)

Summary: Maxine go out on their first date. How will it go? Will sparks fly or will it be a flop?

Bittersweet Symphony ☁️ | - Maxine Moore (F!OC) x Adam Sinclair (M!OC)

Summary: Maxine’s & Adams relationship goes a step further. Will they become official? Or will it take them more time?

Kintsugi ☁️ 🎭 Ⓜ️ | - Maxine Moore (F!OC) x Adam Sinclair (M!OC)

Summary: Maxine has trouble with anxiety and depression. Adam shows up to help her through it. As well as her best friend Luna.

Wildflower ☁️ | - Keiki Lahela (F!MC) x Koa Haulani (M!OC)

Summary: Keiki who still struggles with trusting guys and entering a new relationship after Dylan broke her heart. That's when she meets Koa. Will she give him a chance or will she let her fear of getting hurt win and therefore miss out on a great connection with Koa?

Dear John ☁️ | - Keiki Lahela (F!MC) x Koa Haulani (M!OC)

Summary: Keiki and Koa find love letters on the beach and try to find who they belong to. Meanwhile they are exploring where they're relationship and feelings lie.

Mona Lisa ☁️ 📱| - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Luna and Bryce have a fun tex t exchange between them, involving coffee.

Nightmare before Christmas ☁️ 📱 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce and Luna have a debate if Nightmare before Christmas is a Halloween or Christmas movie.

Hau’oli la Heleui ☁️ 📱- Luna Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Keiki Lahela (F!MC) and more

Summary: Luna, Bryce and their friends and family celebrate Halloween.

Viva Las Vegas ☁️ 📱 🌈 | - Soraya Auclair (F!OC) x Meilani Leihi (F!OC)

Summary: Two beautiful people are getting married and start a new chapter in their lives.

Pumpkin Spice ☁️ 📱 | - Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Luna Auclair (F!OC) and more

Summary: It’s fall time meaning Luna and Bryce celebrate Halloween with their friends and family.

Pink Champagne - Part 2 ☁️ 📱 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC) and more

Pink Champagne - Part 1 ☁️ 📱 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC) and more

Summary: Luna and her friends celebrate her birthday and her bachelorette party. Going away on a trip to Greece. 

Best asked question ☁️ 📱 | - Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Keiki Lahela (F!MC), Luna Auclair (F!OC), Maxine Moore (F!OC), Evie Auclair (F!OC), Soraya Auclair (F!OC)

Summary: Bryce and Luna have very important questions to ask.

My number One ☁️ 📱 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Keiki Lahela (F!MC)

Summary: If Luna and Bryce were a Disney couple which one would they be?

Sunshine ☀️ - ☁️ 📱 | - Luna Auclair, Bryce Lahela, Keiki Lahela, Maxine Moore, Grace Auclair, Skylar Auclair, Soraya Auclair, Evie Auclair

Summary: Luna, Bryce, their family and friends celebrate Brian, Luna's dad's birthday.

Mother's Day - 📱| - Luna Auclair, Bryce Lahela, Keiki Lahela, Maxine Moore, Grace Auclair, Skylar Auclair, Soraya Auclair, Evie Auclair and more

Summary: Just a few picta edits for Mother‘s Day 💐 Enjoy 😊

Homecoming Part 2 📱 | - Luna Auclair, Bryce Lahela, Keiki Lahela and more

Summary: It’s Bryce’s Birthday. Meaning celebrating and opening presents.

Homecoming Part 1 - ☁️ 📱 | - Luna Auclair, Bryce Lahela, Keiki Lahela and more

Summary: It’s not only Bryce and Luna moving back to Hawaii…it’s also Bryce’s Birthday on April, 16th (Yes, I took my own birthday and used it for Bryce’s as well)

Shamrock Kisses - ☁️ 📱 | - Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Luna Auclair (F!OC), Maxine Moore (F!OC), Keiki Lahela (F!MC) and Hayley Valentine (F!MC)

Summary: It’s Saint Patrick’s Day and the group‘s celebrating 🥳

L-O-V-E - ☁️ 📱 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Keiki Lahela (F!MC)

Summary: Bryce, Luna, Keiki and their friends celebrate valentines day.

Let them eat...healthy? 📱 | - Characters involved: Bryce Lahela, Luna Auclair, Keiki Lahela, Maxine, Dylan Yu.

Summary: Bryce tries to motivate everyone to eat more healthy.

❗️On Hiatus ❗️

Nightbound vs. Hänsel & Gretel

Introduction Ⓜ️ | -Gretel van Andresen (F!OC) and Hänsel van Andresen (M!OC)

Chapter 1: Wake up Little Susie Ⓜ️ | - Gretel van Andresen (F!OC) and Hänsel van Andresen (M!OC)

Summary: Hänsel and Gretel two amazing supernatural hunters are working on a new case that leads them to New Orleans and to old friends. So let the good times roll.

Chapter 2: Strange Encounters Ⓜ️ | - Gretel van Andresen (F!OC), Hänsel van Andresen (M!OC), Nik (M!MC), Katherine (F!MC) and Garros (M!MC)

Summary: Hänsel and Gretel arrive in New Orleans and meet some old friends. Will they be able to help them with the case?

Chapter 3: Unexpected Ⓜ️ | - Gretel van Andresen (F!OC), Hänsel van Andresen (M!OC), Grey (M!OC), Vi (F!OC) and Vine (

Summary: Hänsel and Gretel are now in New Orleans. Looking for clues. They’ll encounter someone new. Friend or Foe?

Once TNA & OH Crossover

Sam Dalton (M!MC), Addison Dalton (F!MC), Ethan Ramsey (M!MC) and Robin Flores (M!MC)

Summary: Addison has stage four ovarian cancer. So Sam and Addi seek a consultation with Dr. Ethan Ramsey at Edenbrook. Will they make it in time?

Part (1/5) Ⓜ️ 🎭 | - Sam Dalton (M!MC) x Addison Dalton (F!MC)

Part (2/5) Ⓜ️ 🎭 | - Sam Dalton (M!MC) x Addison Dalton (F!MC)

Part (3/5) Ⓜ️ 🎭 | - Sam Dalton (M!MC), Addison Dalton (F!MC) and Ethan Ramsey (M!MC)

Part (4/5) Ⓜ️ 🎭 | - Sam Dalton (M!MC), Robin Flores (M!MC), Ethan Ramsey (M!MC)

Part (5/5) Ⓜ️ 🎭 | - Sam Dalton (M!MC), and Addison Dalton (F!MC)

Girls Night

Sam Dalton (M!MC), Emma Anderson (F!MC) and more

Summary: The girls have a fun night together, but things don’t go as planned.

Chapter 1 - What's the Secret password - Ⓜ️ | - Emma Anderson (F!MC), Addison Dalton (F!MC) and more

Part 2 - Party like you mean it - Ⓜ️ | - Emma Anderson (F!MC), Addison Dalton (F!MC) and more

Part 3 - Streaking past your neighbors house Ⓜ️ | - Emma Anderson (F!MC), Addison Dalton (F!MC) and more

Part 4 - Epilogue - You & I Ⓜ️ | - Addison Dalton (F!MC) x Robin Flores (M!MC)

The Tell-All

Robin Flores (M!MC)

Summary: Robins Tell-All interview with Serena Knight. Told from his point of view.

Part 1 - Ⓜ️

Part 2 - Ⓜ️

Thankful

Summary: Robin spends thanksgiving with Sam, Emma, Jenny and Addison.

Green Green Mystery Machine | Rose De Luca (F!MC) x Trystan Thorne (M!MC)

Moja Ruža - ☁️ | Rose De Luca (F!MC) x Trystan Thorne (M!MC)

Summary:

Peppermint Kisses | Rose De Luca (F!MC) x Trystan Thorne (M!MC)

Summary: It’s Christmas time and Rose and Trystan spend some time with their family and friends, when their quality time gets interrupted by a pickpocket. Can Rose and Trystan solve the case?

Week 1: All Smiles and Giggles - Luna Auclair (F!OC - Open Heart)

Week 2: Picture this - Hänsel & Gretel (OC‘s - Nightbound)

Week 3: Kala Kala - Luna Auclair (F!OC - Open Heart)

Under Construction 🚧

Other Fics

Both are good 🌈 | - Bryce Lahela (M!MC) x Raleigh Carrera (M!MC)

Colab with @aallotarenunelma

Aallotar's A/N: This project started exactly a month ago, as my great friend Peonie and I were complaining about the lack of fictions about friendship. We discussed and chose a great pair of friends across the Choices universe. Since then, everything has fallen into place, so this fiction is an entry for the Let's Hear it for the Boys event by @choicesficwriterscreations , as well as for the Bi Awareness Week hosted by @choicespride ! This is a labour of love and a lot of fun. Hopefully you'll enjoy it! 💛

Peonie's A/N: I’ve worked on this project with one of my favorite friends, they’ve become one of my closest friends and this is our project. Hope you’ll enjoy this story as much fun as we had writing it 😍💚😚

Set after Open Heart ended

Under the Mistletoe ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary:  Luna and Bryce spend some time with their friends Ethan and Hayley and the open heart gang in Boston. 

Neon Lights ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Luna, Bryce and the Open Heart gang go mini golfing. Who will win?

Home is where the heart is ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: It’s Christmas time. Luna and Bryce get visited by Ethan & Hayley. But it looks like Luna gets to fangirl a little first.

Last Christmas...I gave you my heart ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Luna and Bryce spend their first Christmas together.

Chapter 1 - It's getting...green and merry in here

Chapter 2 - Underneath the Christmas tree

Chapter 3 - Unwrapping Presents

Luna Auclair & Bryce Lahela

On the dance floor - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Asks about Luna Auclair (F!OC)

Luna‘s guilty pleasures

Auclair Family

Auclair Family Tree

My OC - Luna Auclair (F!OC) - @choicesficwriterscreations

Auclair Triplets

Gifts from friends - Edits & Art work

Secret Santa by @ladylamrian

Grey (M!OC - NB) @bayleedraws

April 16th (Another great birthday gift) - @annieruok94

Birthday Gift by @cariantha

Maxine & Adam by @loveliemadness

Luna Auclair 💚 Bryce Lahela by @cariantha and @bayleedraws-sometimesx

Bryce & Luna by @messprongs

Making Waves - @cariantha

My little artsy Luna Auclair (F!OC) - @inlocusmads

Beautiful Beige - by Linds

A beautiful birthday gift by my amazing friend @mysticalgalaxysstuff

Bryce Lahela (M!MC) - @weetlebeetle

[jerzwriter]

A Novel Concept

Ethan Ramsey is in the dog house. It's apparently clear, and his buddy, Tobias, comes in with an assist. But will his advice help or hurt Ethan's chances of getting back in Kaycee's good graces?

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Kaycee MacClennan (F!MC) Characters: Tobias Carrick Rating: Teen Words: 1,778

A/N: Thank you, Nonny, for this ask from the @choicesaprilchallenge24 prompt “A picnic?! Have you swallowed a romance novel?”" It went a little longer than a drabble, I hope you don't mind! (Didn't have much time to edit... so hope it's all good!)

My Masterlist

The tension in the Diagnostic Team Office was almost palpable. So palpable that Harper retreated to her office nearly an hour before. But Tobias was braver than that – or just stupid; the jury was still out.

He remained behind, his eyes darting up from his laptop every time Ethan mumbled under his breath or Kaycee let out an exaggerated sigh. Both of them assumed Tobias was doing research on their recently admitted patient, blissfully unaware of the missive he was typing, all about professionalism in the workplace and why it’s ill-advised to date your colleagues. He’d shoot that to them in an e-mail once he was sure they were in better moods. But the truth was, Tobias Carrick was nosy and was not about to leave before he got the tea. And there had to be tea!

Tobias was in on the secret, but to most, Ethan and Kaycee were the worst-kept secret in Edenbrook. On a typical day, they were all heart eyes and butterflies, but today, they barely acknowledged each other during their morning meeting, and that hadn’t changed since its end. Even Kaycee incessantly tapping her pen against the conference table hadn’t earned any commentary from the stone-faced Dr. Ramsey. Not a single sarcastic comment, endearing remark, or complaint fell from his lips.

Kaycee was the one to finally break the standoff. Standing up with a huff, she pointedly looked at Tobias and announced she was going to make her rounds. With a side-eyed glance at Ethan, she slunk out the door without another word. Tobias waited patiently for his friend to open up... but that never occurred. If the man retained water as much as he did his emotions, he’d be their next patient, not to mention a sideshow act: Edenbrook’s human blowfish! Tobias laughed at the image in his mind, finally requiring his friend to acknowledge his presence.

“Care to share what’s so amusing?” He said after clearing his throat. “Did you finally figure out the knock-knock joke Dr. Lewis told at the conference two weeks ago, or are you imagining what your latest conquest’s reaction will be when she figures out how old you really are?”

Tobias pushed back from the table with a raised brow, “Really? Do you want to go there, Ramsey? Because according to my calculations, Kaycee is about three years younger than my latest... has she figured it out yet?”

Mouth agape, Ethan was eager to change the course of the conversation. “So... what were you laughing at.”

“I was imagining you as a human blowfish.”

“You know what... remind me to never ask you what’s on your mind again. It’s too dark and scary in there.”

“As if you could resist!” Tobias laughed. “But I want to know what’s on your mind. What’s with you and my buddy MacKlennan? You could cut the tension in here with a knife this morning.”

“Nothing is going on,” Ethan said, offering no genuine attempt at being convincing.

“You’re a shitty liar, Ramsey. What did you do?”

Ethan finally looked up from his notebook. “Why do you automatically assume I’m the one to blame?”

“Because you usually are,” Tobias smirked. “Now, what’s going on?”

Ethan took off his glasses, placing them on the table with a sigh as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Kaycee is mad at me because I forgot our six-month anniversary.”

“Man,” Tobias chuckled, “You suck.”

“That’s not the worst part. See, I didn’t forget. But it happened to coincide with me coming off my second double in three days. I was so tired. I truly thought it was still a day away.”

“But that’s understandable, and Kaycee is reasonable. Why would she be so upset with you over that?”

“Probably because I followed up with ‘who celebrates six-month anniversaries anyway? High school students and people who are certain they’ll never hit the year mark.”  

“Really?” Tobias glared. “All these years, and still none of my charm and charisma has rubbed off on you? What were you thinking?”

“I wasn’t!” Ethan protested. “I was exhausted and cranky.”

“YOU?” Tobias teased.

“I’ve apologized a half-dozen times, but she still barely speaks to me.”

“Well, in fairness, she’s worked a lot this week, too. I doubt either of you are your best selves right now.”

“Thank you, Mother Oprah. Now, do you have any wisdom to help me repair this situation?”

“As a matter of fact, I do, wiseass... but keep talking like that, and you can add me to the list of people barely speaking to you.”

“All right,” Ethan surrendered. “I’ll be nice...how do I fix this?”

“A sincere apology, not the half-assed shit I’m sure you’ve mustered so far... and then you’re going to have to go all out to celebrate your anniversary.”

“I’ve already made reservations at Mistral. I just don’t think she’ll want to join me at this point.”

Tobias waved a dismissive hand. “Anyone can make reservations at Mistral. You need to do something better than that,” he snapped his fingers as an idea came to mind. “A picnic! Show up at her place with a picnic basket filled with her favorite treats, then take her to a pretty, secluded spot... for a small fee, I can share some of my favorite places... you may even have to pick wildflowers for her, buddy.”

“A picnic?” Ethan sneered. “Have you swallowed a romance novel?”

“Fine!” Tobias said, shutting his laptop and rising to his feet. “If you don’t want my advice, figure it out on your own.”

“Wait, wait...” Ethan softened. “I’m sorry, did I mention the sleep deprivation?”

“You did... but face it, we all know you’re still an ass when fully rested.”

“A picnic?” Ethan asked, ignoring him. “Do you really think she’d like that?”

“Chicks, dig that shit,” Tobias insisted, pulling a pen from his lab coat to jot some notes. “Here... these are some very romantic spots within driving distance, and the name of a little gourmet deli in Cambridge that will make a great lunch and pair it with the perfect wine... I can write some of my go-to lines when I need to get out of the dog house if you like?”

“No... no... I’m good. If I’m honest, I don’t think you’ve had a relationship that lasted more than three months in the past decade, so I may need a different approach.”

“Yeah, but that’s not because they didn’t want them to last longer... I think you’re missing out.”

The sound of footsteps approaching caused the men’s heads to turn toward the door, where they saw Kaycee coming down the hall.

“Shh!” Tobias ordered. “She’s back! Here’s your chance.... turn on the charm, bro. I know you’ve got it in you.”

Oblivious to Tobias, Kaycee walked up to Ethan with a look of contrition. “Ethan, we have to talk.”

“No,” he said, reaching for her hand. “I have to talk. I am so sorry for being a jerk. It’s not an excuse, but I’ve been tired and more of a curmudgeon than usual. But of course our six-month anniversary is something to be celebrated. I hope you know how much each day I’m with you means to me, and I hope you’ll let me make it up to you.”

Kaycee let out a breath, and her lips twisted into a tender smile. “I mean, I kind of like the fact that you’re a curmudgeon... just not when it’s aimed directly at me.”

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, brushing a tendril away from her face. “If you’ll forgive me, I will make it up to you.”

“Oh, will you?” she simpered. “What do you have in mind?”

“Well,” Ethan glanced at silent Tobias, who gave him the thumbs up. “I know this quiet little spot on Spectacle Island. I thought we could go there for a picnic. I’ll get your favorite wine, some baguettes, a nice brie... chocolates for after. Maybe we can pick some flowers before, you know...”

“Really?” she asked, “That’s what you want to do? A picnic?”

“Why? Don’t you like the idea?”

“I do,” Kaycee insisted. “It’s just... it doesn’t sound like you. Did you swallow a romance novel or something?”

Ethan's eyes shoot to Tobias, who bursted into laughter.

“Tobias?” Kaycee said, finally noticing he was in the room.  

“I’m sorry! I’m leaving,” he grinned. “But you two need to work whatever you’ve got going on, and do it now... because, I swear,  you two... you’re perfect for each other.

Ethan smiled proudly and wrapped an arm around Kaycee’s shoulder as Tobias slunk out of the room. “He’s right, you know... we are.”

“He is,” she blushed. “But be honest... the picnic... that was his idea, not yours. Right?”

“What? Don’t you think I’m capable of planning a romantic date for you?”

“Of course you are! And you have, but did you come up with this idea?”

Ethan leaned back against his desk with a sigh, pulling Kaycee against him. “How did you know?”

“Hon, do you have any idea how many people he’s brought to Spectacle Island? The stories in the hospital are legendary.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously! Nurses...doctors... the new PT assistant in pediatrics.... the communications director....”

“All right,” Ethan laughed. “I get it... so that means we won’t be making a spectacle of ourselves on Spectacle Island?”

“Well, it’s not that I’m opposed – but we can do it our way, not Tobias’s.”

“Then what do you say we go with the evening I had planned for us?”

“Oh?” She asked curiosity piqued. “And what did you have in mind?”

“I was thinking we could get all dressed up,” he said, placing a kiss behind her ear.

“Mmm... go on.”

“Dinner at Mistral?” he offered, brushing her hair away from her neck as his lips traced her newly exposed skin. “Maybe a little dancing after... so I can show you off?”

“Mmmhh,” she sighed. “And then?”

“Then we go back to my place... and we get to  take off all those fancy clothes...”

Kaycee pulled back with a playful smile. “To do what, exactly, Dr. Ramsey?”

“Things that will make you forget you were ever mad at me?” he winked.

“Now... how can I resist that. When will you be picking me up?”

“Saturday? Six o’clock?”

“It’s a date,” she beamed. “And Ethan?”

“Yes?”

“You’re pretty good at this romance thing all on your own.”

“Shhh,” he whispered in her ear. “Don’t let that get out. I have a reputation to uphold.”

“I get it,” she said, stepping away and straightening her clothes. She was at the door when she turned with a smile. “We can’t have anyone thinking you swallowed a romance novel.”

~~~~~

@choicesficwriterscreations @choicesaprilchallenge24 @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately.

[alj4890]

Hi, I have a request. Take as long as you need, or just delete if you don't find it appealing, but...

I'd love a fic in the early days of Tobias & Chris's relationship. They're public now and very much in love, but he witnesses a tender moment between her and Ethan... how does he react?

🤣 I was actually working through a fic along these lines for one of my kiss prompts. Your request came at the best time to help me finish this 😊 Hope you like it 😘

Thirty Kisses in Thirty Days Challenge with the prompt: a passionate kiss ending in ripped clothing.

@jerzwriter @hopelessromantic1352 @trappedinfanfiction @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @kyra75

Masterlist

Visceral Reaction

At a coffee shop not too far from Edenbrook...

"Hello, Doctor." Chris tapped Ethan on his shoulder.

He turned around with a start then slowly smirked at her. "What are you doing here?"

"I need coffee." She replied.

"So you decided to come all the way down here on your day off." He rolled his eyes. "Surely you've got a coffee maker at home."

Chris nudged him forward when the line moved. "Yes, I have a coffee maker at home, but this place makes the best pumpkin spice lattes."

Ethan winced.

"What?" Chris demanded.

"I can't believe you're going to ruin coffee with a fad." He grumbled.

"A fad? Pumpkin spice is not a fad!"

"Yes, it is." He argued.

"You are such a coffee snob!" She exclaimed. "I can't believe that the man who introduced me to the espresso romano is going to stand here and deride my love for pumpkin flavors in coffee."

"Lemon is a natural additive that is used to diffuse the bitterness of the espresso." He reminded her. "It does nothing but make the coffee refreshing."

He placed his order along with her typical pumpkin spice latte. While still arguing with her, he paid for both their drinks and guided her towards an empty table.

Chris sat down caddy cornered from him so she could watch the door for Tobias. Her gray eyes narrowed playfully on Ethan's blue.

"Are you actually going to sit there and say that the spices used to make pumpkin spice are unnatural? Because I would like to point out that cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves can be found in many people's gardens."

Ethan leaned forward, eyes locked onto hers. His smile grew over how passionate she could get when defending her arguments for something completely ridiculous.

"No. I am going to sit here and say that your addiction to those particular spices is unnatural." He gestured towards her cup. "No one should ingest as much of those as you do."

She burst into laughter while playfully shoving his shoulder for bringing up her need for all things pumpkin spice.

"You know," her eyes sparkled with her humor, "researchers at John Hopkins did a study not too long ago on why people like me love pumpkin spice desserts and drinks."

"Really?" Ethan relaxed back in his chair. "I'll bite. Why do people like you fall so hard each year for a scam of charging an extra dollar or two for some spices you could add at home yourself?"

She snorted, propping her head on her hand while looking up at him. "As you well know, Dr. Ramsey; smell particles are able to travel to the back of our nasal passages and activate our smell receptors when eating."

Ethan merely lifted an eyebrow in response.

Chris grinned at him. "And the parts of the brain that process odor are very close to the parts of the brain that process memory information."

"So this is all about triggering happy memories?" He concluded. "That's why you drink this poor excuse for coffee by the gallon?"

"I work with you, Ethan." She teased. "Pumpkin spice is the only thing saving you daily from my temper."

She winked at him. "If I were you, I'd get down on my knees tonight to thank God for giving you this spice for protection."

Ethan snorted, fighting back a smile. He hadn't realized he needed something like her humor to help diffuse the tension he was currently under.

"How's work going?" She asked, sipping her coffee.

"Well, for the most part." He replied.

Chris noticed the dark look that passed over his face. There was only one thing that she knew of that could cause that particular expression.

"Have you talked to your father recently?"

Ethan averted his eyes from hers.

"Yes. He keeps calling."

"About your mother?" She carefully prodded.

He nodded, eyes narrowing upon his coffee without really seeing it. His mind was a jumble of memories and lingering bitterness. It was both distracting and disconcerting that his parent whom he hadn't seen in over twenty years was trying to get back into his life. If she was causing these types of problems now, how much more trouble would she be if he allowed her into his life again?

His eyes shot down to the sight of his hand being held by Chris. Her thumb brushed over his knuckles as she squeezed it in silent understanding.

Ethan swallowed before looking up at her. There was no pity that he could detect in her facial expression, only a sense of friendly concern. Without words, she was letting him know that she was fully on his side and would support him no matter what he decided to do about his mother.

He gripped her hand in gratitude.

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

Tobias could only stare at the sight of his girlfriend at first laughing, talking, and playfully touching a man she not only worked closely with but also had quite the romantic history.

For some reason, their conversation took a dramatic shift from humor to being serious. Now, the two were holding hands while gazing at one another in silence.

Chris shared recently that she thought she and Ethan had found a new way forward in friendship. Tobias was happy that they had, especially since they worked together. He couldn't begin to imagine how awkward it must have been for the two of them. It was one of the many reasons why he never dated anyone that worked at Mass Kenmore. He needed work to be as stress-free as possible.

I had no idea that their friendship was THIS close.

He prided himself on never being jealous. At least he hadn't been before in previous relationships, or whatever his brief flings could be considered as. But, something about seeing Chris be herself, her fun sweet self, with someone like Ethan made his heart nearly stop.

Tobias knew Chris was his as well as her love and affection belonging to him.

If she still wanted Ethan, she'd never have agreed to go out with me.

He reminded himself that fact a few more times as he made his way over to their table.

Still though, why is she here with Ethan?

After all, she'd been the one to insist they meet here before going to see a matinee.

Was it so she could see Ethan or to get that coffee she talks about all the time, he wondered.

Chris noticed Tobias first. Her smile turned more tender just at the sight of him while she let go of Ethan's hand.

"Hey." Tobias greeted them both with a forced smile.

It took a lot of focus to keep it firmly in place.

Chris reached over and took his hand, tugging him down to greet him with her usual kiss.

That action went a long way to reassure him that all was still well between them.

Though he did still wonder at the closeness between her and Ethan.

He couldn't help but be worried. He trusted Chris and knew she would never cheat on him with another man. But...this was Ethan. He'd been the one man she'd waited over a year on in the hopes to be able to be with him.

"What are you two up to?" Tobias attempted to sound casual as he sat down next to her.

"Nothing much." Chris kept her hand in his. "Ethan and I were having our usual debate over coffee."

"Oh?" Tobias looked curiously back and forth between them.

The subject of coffee doesn't require all the little touches, smiles, or absolute attention, does it? Nor does it turn heartfelt later on.

"You need to tell him the truth." Ethan rolled his eyes at Tobias. "What we were really discussing--"

Here we go. Tobias braced himself.

"Is Chris's addiction."

Tobias sat there an extra second to absorb that statement.

"You mean her pumpkin spice addiction?" He asked.

"You told Ethan about your theory, didn't you?" Chris wagged a finger in warning at Tobias. "I knew you two would give me trouble one day."

Ethan chuckled. He was grateful that Chris was keeping the last of their conversation between the two of them. Though he was on his way to being close friends with Tobias again, he wasn't quite ready to share what was going on with his mother with anyone else at the moment.

He noticed the time and got to his feet. "I've got some lab results that should be finished by now. I'll see you in a couple of days."

Chris waved goodbye then focused on her date.

Tobias summoned his typical smirk for her before she could ask if something was wrong.

"What time does the movie start?" She asked.

"In about an hour."

Her smile turned flirty. "An hour, hmm? I think between the two of us, we can find a way to pass the time."

That wasn't a bad idea. He actually needed a little more proof that everything was still the same between them. What better way to do so than taking Chris somewhere more private?

"Come on." He laced his fingers with hers as he got to his feet. "Let's find a place without people."

Chris nearly tripped in her haste to follow him outside.

The sun was shining a little too brightly for what he had in mind. Tobias looked about the busy street, seeing nothing conducive to finding a spot where they could be alone.

He glanced down at her bemused face then led her towards where he'd parked. He opened the passenger door and instead of letting Chris get in, he sat down and moved the seat as far back as it could go.

His lips curved when he looked up at her.

"Care to join me?" He asked, reclining the seat the rest of the way down.

Chris laughed at his not so veiled hint of how they should spend their free time. Without a second thought, she settled on top of him.

Once the door was shut, the two attempted to get a little more comfortable.

"This is nice." She murmured, placing kisses along his stubbled jawline.

"Yes, it is." His hands moved along her back.

He needed more of her. His lips found hers in a heated kiss. His tongue slipped through her parted lips to seek her own. Her moans filled the air as she restlessly moved against him, needing more of his touch.

Tobias was determined to drive her crazy. He wasn't certain where this desperate need to do so came from. All he knew was he felt it the moment he stepped into that coffee shop and saw her with Ethan.

When I saw them holding hands...

His hands slid under her sweater to seek out all the spots that made her go wild. Chris broke away from his kiss. Her breaths hitched with every touch he lavished upon her mixed with how he kissed her neck.

The cramped space made every motion turn into an almost teasing sensation. It gave just enough friction to work them up but not enough to satisfy. The dark tinted windows fogged up, giving them all the privacy they needed to take things further.

Tobias became almost frantic to begin getting Chris out of her clothes. He gripped the bottom of her sweater and jerked it up. In his haste, he didn't realize that it had gotten snagged on the door handle.

A ripping sound rent the air making the two pause.

"How bad is it?" Chris asked, twisting around to see the damage.

"Bad." He muttered.

He could tell that the tear in her sweater went halfway up her back. Tobias was in utter disbelief that he'd allowed his jealousy to get to the point where he was actually ripping her clothes off just to prove that all was right between them.

Chris turned back towards him, mouth crashing against his for a long, deep kiss. Something about having him that eager to be with her made her desire for him quadruple.

Tobias moaned her name when she broke away to slowly begin unbuttoning his shirt.

Her gray eyes, stormy with desire, caught his attention.

"Since I can't go to the movies now," she teased, sliding her body against his in a sensual rhythm, "you'll have to keep me entertained for the next few hours."

His smirk flashed as he tried to catch his breath. Seeing her flushed from their kisses went a long way in giving him back his confidence.

"Just the next few hours?" His hands began their delicious torment to her sensitive skin once more. "That's all you need?"

Chris arched into his touch. Her lips curved as she gazed down at him.

"Not even close." She replied. "But it'll be a good start."

[lucy-268]

Pancakes

Series/Pairing: Open Heart - Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Charley Valentine)

Other Characters: Tobias Carrick; Bryce Lahela

Disclaimer: Most characters belong to PB, Charley is sort of mine

Rating / Warnings: T

Summary: Ethan decides that he is going to learn to make pancakes. Bryce and Tobias are going to help him.

Comments/Notes: Written for the For the Boys event at @choicesficwriterscreations​.

Word count: ~1,510

Ethan looked around as Charley bounced into the kitchen. “Good morning,” she wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him.

He shifted his coffee cup to the other hand and turned in her embrace, leaning down to kiss her. “Good morning to you. This is unusual. You, awake and dressed at this time on your day off.”

“I hope you can drive just a few miles out of your way to drop me off at Sienna’s this morning. She’s giving Bryce a cooking lesson and I was invited for breakfast.” She smirked at him. “Sienna is hoping that her pancake lesson goes better for Bryce than her last student.”

He shook his head. “Don’t remind me.” He poured her coffee into her to-go mug. “Let’s get you to Sienna.”

Ethan walked out of his meeting with Leland and decided he needed to shift his focus. He checked his watch and headed for the nurses station on the third floor. “Dr. Varma, when do the interns have rounds?”

Jackie’s head snapped up from Tobias’ phone that the two of them were laughing over. Tobias grinned at Ethan. “Still haven’t learned how to make pancakes yet, buddy?”

Ethan took the proffered phone and looked at Charley’s post.

“Interns, Varma?”

“Right.” She pushed herself up from where she had be leaning against the counter. “They should be here in about five minutes. Dr. Carrick is leading rounds today.”

“I’ll be joining you on rounds today, so if Dr. Carrick wants to find something else to do, he may.”

“You will?”

“Bad meeting with Bloom?” Tobias asked. When Ethan glared at him, Tobias added, “I’ll go along on rounds, too. You may scare them off.”

The next Sunday after Charley left for her shift at work, Ethan poured himself his second cup of coffee while he waited for Bryce and Tobias to show up.

Bryce arrived first and handed Ethan a recipe card. He recognized the neat hand writing of Sienna. “She swears by this recipe,” Bryce stated, “and I was able to master it on my first try.”

As Bryce followed Ethan into his kitchen for coffee, he looked around and let out a low whistle. “This is some kitchen. My apartment in Palo Alto could fit in here with room left over.”

Ethan smiled. “It was actually one of the selling points when I bought it. Cooking is relaxing for me after a difficult day.”

Tobias had arrived and walked through the apartment. “As long as it isn’t pancakes.”

“Don’t you ever knock?”

“Not when I’m expected and you leave your door unlocked.” Tobias set a bag on the counter. “I have in here the ingredients for the best pancakes ever.”

Bryce picked up Sienna’s recipe card. “Sienna’s are the best.”

Ethan handed them a printout of a recipe he had. “I have my own recipe here.

Tobias pulled the page out of his hand. “What is this? Grams? Milliliters?” He laughed. “Nigella’s recipe, right?”

Before Ethan could answer, Tobias set the paper down and pulled a container of ricotta cheese, a quart of buttermilk, and a couple of lemons out of his bag, setting them on the counter. “We are going to make lemon ricotta pancakes.”

Bryce objected. “No. Those sound too difficult for Ethan. He needs to start with something easy.”

“I will have you know, I am a fantastic cook.”

Tobias waved his hand to silence Ethan. “Bryce, first of all, Ethan has proven time and time an time again that he cannot make a simple pancake recipe. Second, except for his pancake game, he is a wonderful cook, so a more difficult recipe should be right up his alley.” Tobias pulled his printed recipe out of his pocket and dropped it down with the other two.

“Charley loves Sienna’s pancakes.”

Ethan sighed. “Let’s go with Sienna’s.”

Thirty minutes later, Bryce frowned as they looked at the pancakes. They were flat. Ethan sighed. “This always happens.”

“I told you Sienna said not to mix the batter until it was smooth. It’s best to have a slightly lumpy batter.”

Tobias picked up the plate and moved it to the counter by the sink. “Next recipe?”

“Nigella’s.” Ethan said as he carried a blender over to the counter they were working.

Bryce and Tobias looked at each other. “A blender?”

Ethan picked up the paper and read. “The easiest way to make these is to put all the ingredients into a blender and blitz. But if you do mix up the batter by hand in a bowl, make a well in the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar, beat in the eggs, melted butter and milk, and transfer to a jug: it's much easier to pour the batter into the pan than to spoon it.”

Tobias shrugged. “If Nigella says blender, I guess we use a blender.”

Bryce set down the electric griddle they had used. “Let’s do this.”

Soon the batter was ready and Ethan poured some of the batter onto the griddle. “Should it spread like that?”

“It should not.”

While Ethan and Bryce gathered the second batch of pancakes and set them on the counter next to the first while Tobias assembled the ingredients and mixing bowls for the lemon ricotta pancakes. “Saved the best for last.”

Tobias stepped back to allow Ethan to mix the batter. “Careful you don’t overmix. Make sure it’s just combined.”

“I can read, Tobias.”

Soon Ethan was dropping the batter onto the griddle. Even Bryce looked impressed. “We may have a winner.”

Tobias smiled. “I knew it. Regular pancake were just too easy and not for you.” Within ten minutes the men sat at Ethan’s kitchen island to dig into the stacks of pancakes.

Tobias took the first bite and his eyes widened in horror. He used his fork to dig into the pancake pulling out a clump of ricotta cheese. “I warned you not to overmix. I should have also said don’t undermix.”

Bryce and Ethan both pushed their plates away. “At least these ones looked edible.”

Tobais looked at his watch. “It’s now past noon. Let’s go grab lunch. My treat.” Ethan looked at the mess spread over his kitchen. Tobias grabbed Ethan by the shoulders and turned him towards the door. “We’ll come back and help you clean your kitchen before Charley gets home.”

Four hours later Tobias pulled up in front of Ethan’s building. “Just drop me off.”

“No, Bryce and I will be happy to help you clean up, won’t we Bryce?”

“Yeah.”

“I got it. Thanks for trying to help me this morning.”

Ethan was soon unlocking his door. He stopped short as he saw Charley leaning against the island in the kitchen. “What happened here?”

“Bryce and Tobias decided to teach me how to make pancakes. It didn’t work, so we went out for lunch. I intended to have this mess cleaned up before you got home.”

She smiled as she glanced at him over her shoulder. ”I’ll help you clean the kitchen, then you can fix me Georgian stuffed chicken.”

Two weeks later Charley woke up alone in bed. She tipped her head as she heard voices from the kitchen. She headed down the hall and stopped out of sight of the kitchen.

Tobias’ voice floated back to her. “Man, the least you can do is let me have breakfast with you.”

“You’ve already eaten three!”

“I didn’t get to wish Charley a happy Sunday.” Tobias protested. “Are you going to tell her you didn’t make the pancakes?”

Charley heard plates clattering before Ethan said, “Here are plates for you and Bryce. Enjoy work and you should head to the hospital now.”

Charley smiled at the exchange between the two men, thinking back to the meeting with Tobias in Bloom’s sitting room. At that time, she would have never thought she would see them together, not that she would consider Tobias a treasured friend. She headed back to the bedroom as the front door closed behind Tobias.

Ethan returned to the bedroom, carrying a tray loaded with pancakes, bacon, and coffee. “Good morning!”

Charley yawn and stretched, sitting up in bed. “Breakfast in bed? What’s the occasion?”

“We’re both off today. It’s special enough for lemon ricotta pancakes.”

Charley dug her fork into the fluffy stack of pancakes. “Mmm. These are wonderful! I’ll have to thank Tobias next time I see him.”

“Tobias?”

“He helped with the recipe, right?”

“Oh, um. Yes, yes, he helped.”

As they enjoyed breakfast together, Ethan finally broke down. “Tobias made the pancakes!”

Charley threw back her head and laughed.

“You knew! He told you.”

She shook her head. “If you want to surprise me, you need to be quieter in the kitchen.”

Ethan grabbed the tray off the bed and carried it over to the dresser. He returned to bed and pulled Charley against him as she was still laughing.

“You need to stop laughing and I can think of one way to make you stop.”

Charley wrapped her arms around his neck, “Your methods are very effective.”

Tagging List (since Bryce and Tobias were featured as well as Ethan, I’m tagging all of my Open Heart lists): @choicesficwriterscreations​ @openheartfanfics​

Perma - @a-crepusculo @bex-la-get @danijimenezv @genevievemd @jamespotterthefirst @jerzwriter​ @liaromancewriter​ @potionsprefect​ @writer-ish​ @crazy-loca-blog​ @quixoticdreamer16​ @starrystarrytrouble​ @zahrachoices​ 

All Open Heart - @annfg8 @coffeeheartaddict2 @utterlyinevitable @differenttyphoonwerewolf​

Open Heart - Ethan & Charley only - @ohchoices @queencarb @headoverheelsforramsey @rookiemartin @youlookappropriate 

Open Heart - Bryce & Maggie only - @burnsoslow​

Open Heart - Tobias & Samantha only - @burnsoslow @kat-tia801 

[openheartfanfics]

Tobias x F!MC: Pure Fluff

One Shots: S - #

Santa (or Not) - @trappedinfanfiction 🎄 It's Christmas in the hospital, but Santa is unable to visit. Celia and Alexis is on a mission to fix it. Feat. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC

Simple Moments - @jerzwriter Tobias has got it bad. After a ribbing from his brother, he hears a song that reminds him of Casey, and he rushes home to share it with her.

Simple Pleasures - @jerzwriter 💘 Tobias is driving himself crazy trying to create the perfect Valentine's Day for his new wife and momma-to-be.

Snow - @perriewinklenerdie Tobias tests the waters while having a drink with Claire.

Something Sweet - @jerzwriter  It's Olivia's birthday and her friends are ready to celebrate. Feat. Bryce x F!OC, Ethan x F!MC

Sprout - @jerzwriter A cute little drabble about the couple’s attempt to try new things, and how it helps Tobias get the one thing he really wants.

Sweet Chaos - @jerzwriter 💘 With the help of Tobias, Casey recreates a Valentine's Day family tradition from her childhood for her three little girls.

Sweet Stuff - @jerzwriter  Recently engaged, Tobias & Casey are enjoying breakfast at one of their favorite places when they spot Ethan. Feat. Ethan Ramsey

Table Talk - @jerzwriter   Tobias and Casey make use of the conversation starters at a roadside cafe.

Take Me Out - @jerzwriter Casey’s trying new things and meeting new people. It’s challenging at first, but she’s getting the swing of it, and someone finds themselves happy to get a chance at-bat.

That's one word... - @jerzwriter 🛸 Jensen & Casey are roomies. They've finally fessed up to being with Bryce and Tobias, respectively, and this is what a morning in their apartment looks like now. Feat. Bryce x M!MC, Tobias Carrick x F!MC

That's the tea, T. - @jerzwriter  A walk to the new coffee place turns into an educational experience for all as Tobias's tea order causes some commotion. Feat. Bryce Lahela, Ethan Ramsey

The Babysitter - @alj4890  Tobias accidentally says "He needs to babysit" their kids and Chris overhears this.

The Big ONE - @jerzwriter  While Tobias and Casey are captivated with their little angel, Pietro is all too happy to jump in and get a bit of that cake he's been eyeing all afternoon.

The Big Secret - @jerzwriter   Casey and Tobias are trying to figure out what they are to each other; when she calls him to meet her at Donahue's, does she let it all out?

The Date - @alj4890 Tobias invites Chris as his date for his mother's wedding.

The Fine Print - @jerzwriter Casey is still trying to return to herself after the attack, and an unlikely person is helping her pave the way.

The Great Outdoors - @jerzwriter  Casey proves she'd do just about anything for love when Tobias takes her camping.

The Hangover - @lucy-268 Samantha doesn’t feel well and Tobias takes care of her.

The Late Shift - @jerzwriter Ⓜ Casey is tired of waiting for Tobias, who is working late, so she surprises him at work with some of his favorite things.

The Missing Piece - @jerzwriter Casey's heading out for a night with friends, and Tobias is on Dad duty.  The night goes well overall, but it's not complete until Casey returns home.

The Mrs - @jerzwriter   Casey inadvertently calls Tobias her husband early in their relationship.

The Offer - @alj4890 Tobias is offered the chance to not only join the staff at Edenbrook, but also the diagnostic team.

The Perfect Gift - @jerzwriter Tobias and Casey welcome their first child into the world and set some ground rules along the way.

The Perfect Gift: For Your Eyes Only - @jerzwriter Ⓜ Tobias is always spoiling the love of his life, and she desperately wants to do something in return for him. But the man has everything. What can she possibly give him? Suddenly, she has a perfect idea! And it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

The Perfect Thanksgiving - @jerzwriter 🦃 Tobias and Casey spend their first Thanksgiving together as husband and wife.

The Secret Is Out - @lucy-268 Now that Sami’s friends know, it’s time for the hospital to find out. Told from Ethan’s POV.

The Wake - @alj4890  In this short drabble Tobias and Chris have been dating for about four or five months at this point.

Their First Christmas - @bex-la-get 🎄 Three couples celebrate their first Christmas together. Feat. Ethan x F!MC, Bryce x Sienna

Thinking - @a-crepusculo   What is Nyla thinking when she sees Tobias?

This Christmas - @lucy-268 🎄📅 It’s Tobias and Samantha’s first Christmas together as a couple. Will it turn out how they planned?

Three Stooges on a Date - @romewritingshop Feat. Bryce and Ethan

Times Two - @jerzwriter  Ⓜ A lazy afternoon takes a turn when a napping Tobias starts talking in his sleep.

Tobias and his Lovely Ladies - @jerzwriter   Tobias & Casey share a typical Saturday morning discussing what to get his mother for a birthday gift.

Toy Story - @jerzwriter  Ⓜ They’re officially a couple, and it’s date night! Without any plans, except each other - then they wind up in a titillating place....

Treacherous - @bex-la-get Friends with benefits gets complicated when emotions get involved.

Upon Arrival - @jerzwriter  Casey's stuck at work a little late, so she asks Tobias for a favor. Her usually unflappable husband seems a little... flapped... and we're about to find out why. Feat. Jackie Varma

Visceral Reaction - @alj4890  Tobias and Chris are public now and very much in love, but he witnesses a tender moment between her and Ethan.

Wanna Bet? - @jerzwriter 🎄 Jackie and Sienna make a fun bet when Tobias drives them and Casey to pick out a Christmas tree.

Washed Up - @jerzwriter   Tobias has to pay the price for Bryce's discovery. Feat. Bryce Lahela

We're Having a Baby - @jerzwriter  As Tobias heads to work and Casey heads to a routine doctor's visit, they are unaware of the chaos about to be underway.

Part 1 | Part 2

When Christmas Comes Around - @lucy-268 🎄 Tobias and Samantha spend some time together leading up to the holidays. During this time, they aren’t together as a couple; they are friends still trying to decide what they want to be. This takes place during Book 2 after the attack.

When Husbands Become Prey - @lilyoffandoms 🛸Ⓜ The evening takes a turn for the bizarre. Feat. Bryce Lahela x F!OC, Ethan Ramsey x F!MC, Tobias Carrick x F!MC

When Husbands Become Prey 2: They Know What's Coming - @jerzwriter  Bryce Lahela x F!OC, Ethan Ramsey x F!MC, Tobias Carrick x F!MC

When the Time is Right - @jerzwriter   A typical night with friends at Donahue’s takes a turn when Casey show’s up with her date. How will Tobias respond when forced to face his feelings, and how will their friendship be impacted?

Whose Is It? - @alj4890  There's one too many mugs in this office. Feat. Ethan Ramsey

With Pride - @jerzwriter 🏳‍🌈 Casey & Tobias touch base after an eventful dinner with his extended family, and Tobias has a surprise for Casey in advance of them attending their first Pride parade as a couple.

Worth the Wait - @jerzwriter  Tobias waits on Casey as she gets ready for their date... can they keep their relationship under wraps for now?

You’re On - @jerzwriter   Tobias needs his good friend Casey to help him pull off a fib, but is she willing to help? And, at what cost?

You’re On...Again - @jerzwriter   Tobias & Casey successfully convinced his visiting mother and aunt that they were a couple. They did so well, he's asking for her help again.

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[choices-february2023]

Masterlist Week 4

Blades of Light and Shadow

To Love is the Greatest Treasure | Mal Volari x F!Human!MC - @storyofmychoices

Open Heart

Hooked on a Feeling | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter

In the Middle of the Night | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter

Picture This | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @jerzwriter

An Unexpected Valentine | Rafael Aveiro x F!MC - @jerzwriter

The Royal Romance

Batalla del Vino | Kiara Theron x Hana Lee - @lizzybeth1986

Loving a Ployglot | Rashad x Kiara Theron - @twinkleallnight