#tobias x casey headcanon masterlist

[jerzwriter]

Tobias & Casey "My Canon" Masterlist

Updated 03.27.2023

About Casey About Tobias Original Characters in this HC Complete Tobias & Casey Masterlist

Pre-Series

Before They Met—This is a Masterlist of fics/content about Tobias and Casey before they met. It's primarily focused on their med school years and Casey's relationship with Jessica (Casey x Jess Masterlist), but there is more to come.

Book 2: They meet, they mess up, they get another chance

Take One - (Open Heart Book 2 Timeline) Masterlist of fics and information about Tobias & Casey from the day they met at the deli until just before the chemical attack. This was their first attempt at dating. It went great... until it didn't.

From Here to There - (Open Heart Book 2 Timeline) Masterlist of fics and more from the time of the chemical attack. It deals with the aftermath and Tobias & Casey establishing a friendship again - fighting that it's something more. This ends with them finally getting together (WIP)

THIS MASTERLIST IS BEING UPDATED... PLEASE EXCUSE ME AS IT IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Masterlist #1: Pre-series through Book 3 Timeline

Masterlist #2: Post-series Timeline

[choicesficwriterscreations]

January Creator of the Month: Jerzwriter

Each month, CFWC highlights one of our talented fanfic writers or artists, and this month’s creator of the month is CFWC's own @jerzwriter.  The writer is selected at random. More info can be found on the navigation page.

Quick Links:

Tumblr Blog Complete Masterlist

How do you want to be known on Tumblr? 

Elsa

More below...

1- When did you start playing Choices? What was the first book you played? 

It was sometime in 2017, and the first book I ever played was The Royal Romance, Book 1.

2- When and why did you join Choices fandom?

I joined a couple Facebook groups in 2019. I just wanted to discuss stories with others who were interested, as no one in my real life reads Choices. I didn't even know I was entering a fandom. lol I started reading fanfic on Tumblr the following year, but I found Tumblr intimidating, so I was mostly a silent reader. I didn’t start writing and contributing until May 2021, mostly because Open Heart was ending and I was in denial. 🙂

3- How did you pick your blog name? 

It’s pretty boring, actually. I’m from NJ, and I write. I wanted it to be JerZwriter, so people would know it is Jer-ZEE-Writer, but that wasn’t doable, so it’s Jerzwriter, and most think it is Jerz-Writer. Oh, well!  

4- Pull up the first and last posts in your archive, and tell us about them!  

My first post was the first chapter of my Ethan x Casey x Tobias love triangle, Delaying the Inevitable (OH).  It was my very first fanfic and I really didn't think I'd write anything beyond that.  I was so green back then, not only to fanfic but to the fandom as well. I’m really glad that I was naive because I don’t think I would have had the courage to post it if I had, but I’m glad that I did. 

My last post was Falling for You, a little drabble I wrote for Tobias x Casey (OH), and it featured a commission by the talented artist @weetlebeetle. It was a light, fun piece that took place early in Tobias and Casey's relationship, and it shows Tobias at his absolute simpiest. Lol 

5- Do you write fanfiction, create fan art, or are you one of those really gifted people who do both? 

Oh, how I wish I could draw, but I can't.  So, I’m strictly a writer. I may try giving drawing a go again, but I don't expect much to come of it. lol

6- How long have you been creating for Choices and for any other fandoms?

Choices was the first fandom I ever wrote for, and I started in May of 2021.  So, just over two and a half years. I have written a little bit for some other fandoms since that time, but I primarily write for Choices.

7- What is your favorite Choices book, and what is your favorite Choices book to create for?

Tough question.  I write for Open Heart, Crimes of Passion, and Wake the Dead, and they are three of my favorite stories. I also loved Desire & Decorum, but I never wrote for it.  Though, I’m planning a re-read, and you never know. 🙂

8- Share your first Choices fanfic or fan art that you posted with us. Do you still like it, or would you change it if you were creating it today?

It was the first chapter of Delaying the Inevitable. I was so green when I started that series that I’m sure there are things I would change, but I’m still very proud of it.  That series will always have a special place in my heart.  I’d like to revisit it one day to “clean it up”, it could use some condensing. But I would never change the storyline.

9- What is your favorite piece of fiction or art that you created? 

This is such an unfair question. lol The Delaying the Inevitable Series definitely comes to mind, but I’m also very proud of my Eli Sipes prequel stories, A Mother’s Journal, Coming Up Blank, and The End of the World. But Tobias and Casey are my favorite pairing, and I simply love the world I created for them. And while my headcanon for them is my favorite, I cannot pick just one fic for them, and I'm not going to! lol But, I've also written a bunch of AUs for them, and Friends* is one of my favorites.

10- Do you have a fic/art that you didn’t expect to be well received, but it was? What about one you expected to do well but found it could use a little more love?

Yes, to both! The fandom is much smaller today, but back when we were more active, I learned you couldn't predict how a fic would be received.  There are too many to name, but I will say whenever my smut does well (and quite a few of them have), I’m always astounded. lol 

11-  If you could write only angst, fluff, or smut for the rest of your writing life, which would it be and why? 

This is such a difficult question because I believe the best stories incorporate a little of each, and, as a writer, exploring all three helps spur creativity. Also, my absolute favorite is angst with a happy ending, so there is definitely some fluff in there (and I'm never mad at a little smut being thrown in!) But if I were forced to choose, it would probably be angst.  I think that's where I am strongest, and I just love raw emotion. I think that’s where character development really occurs. I have not written as much angst recently, and I miss it.  Perhaps I need a change in 2024. 

12 - Do you ever recognize yourself in any of your MCs or in your writing?

There are definitely parts of me in my MCs and OCs, but I do my best to prevent them from becoming self-inserts.  I'm not as cool as any of them, that's for sure! lol That said, I do find inspiration for my fics in real life, so there is bound to be a little crossover. When using real-life inspiration, I try to change details so that the fiction is not a carbon copy of the real-life event. Normally, by the time I'm done, they're hardly recognizable.

13 - What element of writing/art do you struggle with most? Where do you feel you are strongest?

I struggle most with setting a scene. Dialogue is my strong suit, and that just flows for me. It flows so much that sometimes I forget to describe what's going on around the conversation. I think this is particularly easy to do in fanfiction because so much of the "world" has already been provided for us, so I recognize this more when I'm writing original works.

The other thing I struggle with? Brevity. I know I can go on, and on, and on. lol I've gotten much better at this, but there is still room for improvement.

14 - Do you have any neglected work you really want to finish?

(Elsa leaves the room, quietly crawls under her desk, and hides…) YES!!! Far, far too many, and no matter how much I share those posts that say, "You don't have to finish! If you're not feeling it, move on!" I don't believe it! lol I really want to make wrapping them up a priority in 2024.  But I also know writing - particularly good writing - cannot be forced.  So, it's a goal, but I'll only do it if I feel it’s right. 

15 - If someone you know in real life (who isn’t involved in fandoms) asked to see your work, would you let them? If yes, what would you show them first? 

It would depend on who asked.  I’m not ashamed of writing fanfic at all, but if I believed the person would be judgemental, I wouldn't be willing to share.  A few of my friends have read select pieces of my fanfic, and I’ve always received positive feedback from them. I wouldn’t be opposed to sharing more.  What I'd share would depend greatly on the person asking.

16 - Are there any writers (published authors and/or fanfic writers) who influenced your writing or art? Are there any artists that influence you?

There are many published writers that I admire, but I don’t think they've influenced my writing here. Within the fandom, there are many writers who have inspired me in different ways. There is no way I can ever name them all. But I'd like to give a shout-out to some.

@jamespotterthefirst and @bex-la-get were among the first writers I read when I joined Tumblr. I found their passion for both canon and the worlds they created inspiring, especially as Open Heart was nearing its end and all of us addicts needed our fill. Reading their works helped keep the story alive for me and so many others, and it inspired me to try my hand at it as well. To my shock, they were both so encouraging and supportive of me when I arrived, and I'm forever grateful. Back then, I thought they were rockstars - and they are! But now, they're also friends. I wasn't familiar with @alwaysmychoices from the start, but when I came across their work, I was just blown away.  Weekend with Dr. Ramsey will live rent-free in my head forever, and that headcanon about Charlie calling Ethan the night before she marries someone else. (I faint.) Ohhh, the delicious angst! The way she made me feel what Charlie felt was just mind-boggling, and it encouraged me to really dig into my character's emotions and bring them to life in a more meaningful way.

Early on, I read @utterlyinevitable, and the thing that impressed me the most was how Dom was willing to "write stories that “went "go there.”  They tackled issues that others wouldn't touch.  In their world, everything wasn’t perfect, including the characters themselves. I admired that vision and, frankly, bravery, and it definitely encouraged me to write what I wanted to and not what I felt was expected of me.

More recently, @mydemonsdrivealimo inspired me to explore parts of my MCs that I have not delved into in the past.  In particular, Casey's bisexuality. It can be challenging to represent a bisexual character when they are in a straight-presenting relationship, and you risk alienating readers no matter what you do (looking at all readers here.) So it becomes easier to be lazy and ignore it. But that's a disservice to the character as much as it's a disservice to people living similar situations in real life... like I have many times. Through MJ's writing and our conversations, they've helped me become more aware and do a better job in this regard, and I'm not even sure if they know this - it may totally be news to them lol - but I'm eternally grateful. Now, I feel my girl Casey is free, and OMG, how I love our characters playing together in HC now!

Then there are @lilyoffandoms and @storyofmychoices, who bring joy to all that they touch. Who knew when Lily created a little drabble putting our characters in a new world together, it would end up being one of the brightest fandom spots of 2023? Who knew that so much more would stem from that one work? Seriously, it's been one of the highlights of my fandom experience this year, and it's helped me to find inspiration at times when I felt like it was lost. Thank you both - I am so lucky to have you both here!

There are so many more I could mention, but I'd still forget people and feel horrible, so I want to take the chance to thank every writer in the fandom for sharing their gifts with us. Each of you is an inspiration in your own way; each of you can give someone an idea, and you have no idea where that spark will lead. So, never stop sharing!

17-  Which one of your stories would you most like to see as a movie/series? 

Delaying the Inevitable, Friends*, All in the Past, and the WIP What’s Forever For. I also think some of my Ethan x Tobias works would have made for a good sitcom, and how I wish my Tobias x Casey friendship with Bryce x Jensen would be an epic sitcom. The world needs it! lol   (Jensen belongs to @mydemonsdrivealimo.)

19- Do you write original fiction or create non-fandom art? 

I do. Mostly shorter stories that will never see the light of day, but also some more substantive works... which will also never see the light of day! lol I wrote a novel-length political thriller some time ago. It would need a ton of work to bring it up to 2024, as the political landscape has changed so much. I also have two original WIPs I've been writing. One is an angsty story about a friendship that's loosely based on a childhood friend I lost to cancer a few years ago.  The other is a polyamorous romance about two best friends who fall for the same person. It's really a beautiful, emotional story. If I like the end result, maybe I'll let it see the light of day... maybe. lol

20-  What other hobbies do you have?

I enjoy theater, and I'm lucky enough to live in the best part of the world to partake in that.  I go to a lot of Broadway, Off-Broadway, and local theater productions. I also love going to concerts - they’re like group therapy! Trust me, I got more out of seeing Noah Kahan and Hozier in 2023 than I did from the entirety of sessions with my therapist - and I loved my therapist. lol

Prior to 2020, I did a fair amount of traveling, and I hope to start doing a little more this year.  But I have to admit, since the lockdown, I’ve become more of a homebody, and I like it, so we’ll see how that goes! 

I used to be very involved with activism and advocacy for women’s, lgbtq+, and mental health issues. I still am, but in a different capacity than I was in the past. These issues require people fighting for them, and doing so has always been a huge part of who I am, but it can be draining, and burnout is real. I really reached the end of my rope. So, nowadays, I work as a volunteer for a couple local organizations that really mean a lot to me. I'm not involved in grassroots efforts or taking trips to talk to legislators as often, but I'm helping people on a smaller scale, and that still goes a long, long way.

22: BONUS - tell us anything you’d like (if you want to).

As most of you know, I’m one of the mods here at CFWC, so it was a little weird when my the wheel landed on my name.  But, honestly, it’s happened before, and I've just spun again, even though I am eligible. But this time around, I decided to do it. This fandom really means a lot to me, and I wanted to share a little more about myself and my crazy pixelated people.

I'm truly grateful to everyone in the fandom who does their part to make this a place that many, like me, still see as a place they want to be. We're smaller, it's imperfect, it has plenty of problems, but I am choosing to focus on the good... because there is much more of that than there is bad. So, thank you to each of you... and I hope we all have a wonderful 2024! xo

PS... My header... I know Tobias wasn't technically an LI... which was truly criminal. So, that's what fandom is for, fixing what canon effed up. lol My favorite canon LI is Trystan Thorne (COP). I tried adding their picture to the header alongside Tobias, but it looked terrible, so here I am. :)

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I can't wait to highlight more of you in 2024! :)

[openheartfanfics]

Meet the OPH MCs Masterlist

Bryce Lahela

Ethan Ramsey

F!MC (A - N) 

F!MC (O - Z), M!MC, NB!MC

_

Jackie x M!MC

Dr. Jake Tweneboah - @ezekielbhandarivalleros 

Meet MC  |  The Past

_ Rafael x F!MC

Dr. Grace Sullivan - @inacrowdofchoices

Meet MC  |  The Past  |  The Present  |  The Future

Dr. Véronique Lucas - @princepotatosack

Meet MC

_ Rafael x M!MC

Dr. Matthew Rupert Valentine - @silver-rings-and-rabbits

Meet MC  |  The Present  |  The Future

_ Sienna x M!OC

Max Valentine - @liaromancewriter

Meet OC | Meet Sienna | Relationship Stats

_ Tobias x F!MC / F!OC

Dr. Adelaide Mae Barnes - @tveitertotwrites​

Meet MC | OC Children

Dr. Casey Rose MacTavish - @jerzwriter

Meet MC | Meet Tobias | Relationship Headcanon 

Dr. Kayla Herrera - @peonyblossom

Meet OC

Dr. Nyla Imani Hassan - @a-crepusculo

Meet OC

Dr, Samantha Carlson - @lucy-268

Meet MC

_ No LI or Broke Up with LI 

Dr. Brynn Sarah Cooper - @kat-tia801 

Meet MC

_ Aurora x M!OC

Dr. Kevin Isabella Arnold - @headoverheelsforramsey

Meet OC

_

SUBMIT OPEN HEART MC/OC & WRITERS HERE

[utterlyinevitable]

Your headcanons are wonderful! How about MC and Ethan celebrating his 40th? Officially making him a grumpy old man 👴

Ethan x MC Celebrating His 40th Birthday 

Ethan hates birthdays and would be adamant on not celebrating. 

MC would want to throw a big bash but would respect his wishes when, on the 10th time she asked him if he definitely did not want to do something special, he used his authoritative voice to completely squash the notion. 

So she settles on something just for them at his place. 

This year Ethan is four decades old. That’s still an entire decade older than MC. 

Everything she’s done, every milestone she’s had, he’s done years before. 

That sparked an idea. 

Four mini moments to celebrate staples of their past. Every room in the apartment set to represent a stage of his life. Things they loved when they were younger and could experience together. 

She had Alan bring some old things and photos from Ethan’s childhood over and help set up. 

The first moment representing his first 10 years - his youth. Board games and teddy bears and classic rock Alan loved and always had playing through the radio. All set up in the spare bedroom. 

Alan told her a story about a time Ethan convinced other kids worms were magic if eaten. She told him the time she made her neighbor eat black ants just because she was curious of their taste. So it was time for payback - for both of them.

She made little worm in mud dessert cups for them to snack on while they played Operation. 

Ethan thought it was absolutely ridiculous but played along with her plans when he realized how much effort she and his dad put into the evening. 

And the photos lined up on the dresser - one from every birthday those first ten years. This wasn’t any other birthday.

Ethan knew that day’s before.    

The second cultivated moment was for his teen years layed out in their bedroom. 

Classical music and party games of truth or dare and spin the bottle. Red solo cups filled with a MC-styled concoction. The walls lined with more photos of Ethan on his birthday and all his old awards and basketball jersey scattered across every single surface. 

Alan told her stories of how he was always so studious and never out of line, but did have a hankering for carefully planned schemes. 

So it was time for him to do what teens do and be a little reckless. Ethan refused to play her little party game. He also tried one sip of the vile thing she called jungle juice. She vehemently refused to move onto the next activity until they did one thing every teenager does - 7 minutes in heaven. 

In one swift motion Ethan picked her up and carried her into their walk in closet. Seven minutes turned into fifteen and she almost threw away the rest of the night for a few more minutes in heaven. 

The next moment for his twenties. 

This was the most difficult one as Alan didn’t know much about Ethan’s life besides his schoolwork and the small bits of information he’d share when he’d come home on breaks.  

All either of them knew of Ethan’s 20s was school. MC did remember stories of Tobias and leaned into that. 

She had rub on tattoos on standby. and a scavenger hunt to find one of the gifts she got him - just five little clues that led him to the gift hiding in the hallway closet. 

Ethan could not believe the final clue - he let out a chortle as he read the fine script. MC eyed him, “Fess up. Did you go to closets to make out or cry?”

Ethan shook his head and kissed her. 

She didn’t believe him, but she gave him the present anyway. 

His thirties were all over the open planned living and dining room. 

A fancy dinner catered by their favorite chef and taken by the biggest window with the best view. 

MC wanted to make him feel on top of the world. This was all for him. The entire evening may not have been the way he probably wanted things but it surely would end that way. 

And then there was the last moment - for the future. MC didn’t plan this one. Ethan did. Every little rewrite of the past this evening made him more sure than anything.

“There’s one thing I’m glad I’ve held off on and am looking forward to in my 40s”

“What’s that?”

He reached his hand across the table for hers, “Being with you.”

“Oh no. The dementias set in already. Darling, it’s me Rebecca. We’ve been together for three years. Do you know where you are?”

Ethan rolled his eyes, “Don’t ruin the moment, Rookie.”

She motioned her hand for him to continue.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Another song began to play through the speakers and they stood to dance. Her head on his chest and his arms enveloped around her. Minutes passed as they swayed together, the glow of Boston shining in and the music lulling them further into serenity. 

Ethan broke the silence; 

“I’m thinking of buying a house..”

________________________________________

Masterlist

Perma:

@rookiemarsswiftie @lucy-268 @binny1985 @thegreentwin @queencarb @danijimenezv @starrystarrytrouble @terrm9 @interobanginyourmom @adrex04 @maurine07 @mercury84choices @schnitzelbutterfingers @theeccentricbibliophile @wingedhairstylemusicweasel @kaavyaethanramsey @mvalentine @rookie-ramsey @drariellevalentine @lifeaskim @otherworldlypresents @therookie @aylaramseycarrera @angela8754 @fireycookie @stateofgracious @missmiimiie​ @uneravine

Ethan:

@udishaman @honeyandsunfl0wers @hutchereverlark23 @ohchoices @dulceghernandez @blossomanarchy @claredal424 @caseyvalentineramsey @rookieoh @openheartthot @senseofduties @lilyvalentine @tsrookie @kalogh @aworldoffandoms @takemyopenheart @casey-v @ramseyandrys @peaceinmidstofchaos @ethanramseylover @ramseyreader  @a-crepusculo @aarisa-frost @shanzay44

[romewritingshop]

Rome 21st Birthday Celebration Masterlist

Hello. This here is the masterlist for the birthday celebration. This will have the things people request for in a number order and probably with a date with it. If you’d like to be tagged in this, let me know and I can tag you on everyone else’s gift. This will always be changing so double check this post whenever you can. You might get a notification of me adding your tag name but I’ll also send a message since Tumblr likes to mess up tags.

CHOICES MASTERLIST

Original Post

There are rules:

1. I won’t write or edit anything that is to do with racism, pedophilia, bigotry, religious racism, homophobia, LGBATQ discrimination, animal/child abuse, incest.

NO and if you request this, I will report and block you.

2. No explicit porn in visual format, I’m not comfortable editing that kind of thing and I’ll block you if you request that. (Writing it, is fine.)

3. If you request heavy topics like death, depression, alcoholism, mental health etc. Drop me a private message and we’ll workshop an idea to make sure it is healthy and not triggering.

So you can request the following three things:

A Video Edit: So I can make a video on whatever you want. If it’s a trailer for your fic or just a MV for your MC and LI.

A Photo Edit: I do photo editing as a side and similar to the video edit, I can make a front cover for a fic, a banner, MC edit with LI or a moodboard.

Fic: I write so I can do a quick drabble, headcanon or one shot on whatever you want. Can be fluff, angst or smut. Can do any genre or AU or fix-it. I can do tropes so whatever you want ... to an extent.

For now it’ll be choices characters and it can be any gender of characters you want. Here are the stories I can do:

Perfect Match, Open Heart, The Royal Masquerade, Ride or Die, The Royal Romance, Home for the Holidays, Nightbound, Bloodbound, Platinum, Distant Shores, Rising Tides, Save the Date, Foreign Affairs, Blades of Light and Shadow.

@camillemontespan​​ - In the Dark //Camilla Cabello// [Drake Walker x F!MC (Camille Montespan)] {Video Edit} - 03/02/2021

@masquerade-reimagined​ - The Royal Masquerade Posters [Kayden Vescovi x F!MC (Adrasteia Rosario)] {Photo Edit} - 16/02/2021

@anntoldst0ries​ - Fruits: Ethan Ramsey {Photo Edit} - 00/00/2021

@anntoldst0ries​ - Fruits: Noelle Sky Valentine {Photo Edit} - 18/02/2021

@tsrookie​ - I’m a Dad [Ethan Ramsey x MC (Alyssa Brooks)] {Fic} - 27/02/2021

@eleanorbloom​​ - Seasons Moodboard [Bryce Lahela x F!MC (Eleanor Bloom)] {Photo Edit}

drariellevalentine - One confused Dr. Ramsey [Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Arielle Valentine)} {Fic}

fluffyfirewhiskey - Memories never fade? [Damien Nazario x F!MC (Peach Park)] {Fic}

caseyvalentineramsey - Dusk ‘til Dawn //ZAYN ft. Sia// [Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Casey Valentine)] {Video Edit}

mercury84choices - Love of my Life //QUEEN// [Ethan Ramsey] {Video Edit}

melaninntae - Just Checking [Logan x Colt Kaneko x Mona x F!MC (Raine Woods)] {Fic}

lauren-raines-x - Night Hunt [Adrian Raines] {Photo Edit}

they-callme-ami - [Tobias Carrick] {Video Edit}

[jerzwriter]

Tobias took his friend Casey to see his hometown of Washington, DC, all decked out for the holidays; then, she showed him how her hometown of Philadelphia did it. Now, they make one pitstop on the way back home and decide what city does it best... and wrestle with what they mean to each other.

Book: Open Heart Characters: Tobias Carrick & Casey MacTavish (F!MC) Rating: Teen Words: 2,400 (sorry) A/N: This series is a rewrite of a fic I originally wrote in 2022. But, as I fill in the gaps in my Tobias/Casey headcanon, I needed to make some adjustments - and wanted to make some improvements. I haven't tagged my full list for the other parts, but I'm going to do so here because this is the part that had the most alternation - and will lead us back to the question: "So how did they actually end up together?"

Thank you to anyone who has read this - it really means so much to me! :)

Series Masterlist | Tobias x Casey Masterlist Masterlist

“Last stop!” Tobias jumped out of his Jaguar, eagerly tossing the keys to the valet. There was no denying he was as excited about the last minute addition to their itinerary as Casey, perhaps even more so.

As she gingerly stepped out the passenger side, her enthusiasm was diminished, and concern was written all over her face. “Are you sure this is a good idea? The traffic was worse than we anticipated, and you have to be at work early tomorrow.”

“No worries,” Tobias chuckled. “I can sleep when I’m dead.”

Unamused, she stood her ground. “Well, I’d like to keep you around for a while, and you need your rest! So we’re not staying too long, all right?”

“Whatever you say, ma’am,” he nodded, and she couldn’t help but crack a smile when he animatedly gestured toward the street that would lead them to their next adventure.

The cold air and aroma of roasted chestnuts mingled with jingling bells and car horns blaring at tourists who blocked intersections made it clear... it was Christmastime in New York City. Casey was mesmerized, stopping at every store window to peruse the holiday displays. She was so enchanted that she didn’t notice the minor miracle that had taken place; Tobias Carrick was... quiet.

While his mouth had stopped moving, his mind was in overdrive. Amid the joyful chaos, he could focus on only one thing: fighting the visceral urge to take Casey’s hand in his, and not out of fear of becoming separated. His internal debate was relentless... would it be so wrong? Friends do hold hands sometimes, especially in crowds like this. It would make sense. Perfect sense. It wasn’t like he was leaning to kiss her. Not that they hadn’t done that recently. They had! Less than a month ago, they declared they’d be friends with kissing benefits. Of course, it hadn’t happened again, and if it did, Casey would have to initiate it, not him; fortunately, his rambling thoughts came to a halt along with the rest of him when he walked directly into a light post.

Casey turned around, startled, but began to laugh once she realized he was OK. “You OK there?”

“Yeah, I’m good,” he recovered. “Just a little... disorientated.”

In desperate need of a distraction and wishing to prevent further injury, Tobias started a conversation to occupy his mind for the rest of their walk.

“So tell me, how did you manage to attend NYU for four years, yet you never saw this tree?”

“Well,” she shrugged. “I had intended to but never made it. Christmastime is also final exam time, and you know me, I had to get straight A’s, so my mind wasn’t fully on the holidays until I finished the last exam... then I was usually on a train home to Philly.”

He shook his head with a chortle. “Didn’t anyone tell you all work and no play is bad for you? Man... you really needed an influence like me in your life  back then, kid.”

“Oh, that’s probably the last thing I needed,” she laughed. “And I managed to have a lot of fun in college. I saw the Bryant Park Tree. Of course the Washington Square Park tree and I were very well acquainted. I just never saw this tree.”

“Well, as much as I am surprised, I’m kind of glad you didn’t... this way, we get to see it for the first time together.”

Casey gave Tobias a side glance; it was now her turn to fight off visceral urges, but she merely gave him a tender smile. “I am, too.”

Then, with the turn of a corner, there it stood, towering above them in all its glory: the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

“Holy shit!” Tobias exclaimed as Casey gasped in awe. “That thing is huge! It’s twice as big as I thought it would be.”

Casey playfully nudged his side with a giggle. “That’s what she said.”

“Really, Casey?” He mocked. “Really? It’s Christmastime.”

“Well, I’m not going to stop being a smartass just because of that,” she winked. “That wouldn’t be fun at all.”

After a moment, it was Casey who made the final determination.

“Well, I hate to admit it, but that guy was right.  I think this Christmas tree is the winner. It beats Philly, and it definitely beats DC!”  

“I’m so glad you said it,” Tobias chuckled.  “I’m done conceding loss on this trip! I just wish we could see it at night.  Can you imagine how beautiful it must be then?”

“Yeah, I’m sure. But we can’t stay that late today. Maybe we can come see it again next year.”

Next year.  Those words from her lips took his breath away. Mere months ago, they didn’t know if Casey would survive to see this Christmas, much less next. Yet here she was, full of vitality and right at his side... smiling. Next year. She was thinking ahead, and she was including him in her plans. He wasn’t one for Christmas lore; he sure felt like that red-suited, white-bearded old man had dropped a present right into his lap. But as he felt a swell of promise rising inside him, he also felt something else: fear.

He promised he wouldn’t let this happen. Yet here he was... the happily confirmed bachelor was smitten; he couldn’t even deny it anymore. So he made a new promise: to keep his feelings to himself. Casey had made it abundantly clear that she wasn’t ready for any romantic entanglements, and even if she were, he didn’t know if she’d want those entanglements to include him. He had bungled their first chance together badly. He knew how much it had hurt to lose her and didn’t want to face that again. He was lucky to be in her life at all. Friendship was plenty, he convinced himself. Still, as he watched the tree lights flickering on her beaming face, his heart filled with a warmth previously unknown, and he had to wonder... if the time came, would he be able to watch her fall in love with someone else, knowing how much he already loved her so?

“Well, we’ve declared a winner,” Casey said. “We should start heading back to Boston.”

But Tobias had an impish glint in his eyes. “We could.... unless…”

“Unless what?”

“I have always wanted to take a carriage ride through Central Park... and how often will we be in New York. What do you say?”

Casey turned to him, and he could just see the little angel and devil battling over her shoulders. In the end, he was delighted that the devil won.

“You!” she said with a gentle shove. “Leave it to you to find something impossible to say no to!”

“Well,” he smirked, “that is kind of my specialty.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard,” she laughed. “Now, let’s go!”

As much as Casey insisted they make haste, that didn’t prevent her from having a lengthy conversation with Joel, the carriage driver, and she refused to step foot inside until she was satisfied.

“No, Ma’am, I promise you, George here is very well cared for. It’s not like it used to be.  He only rides through a special route in Central Park. It’s perfectly safe.”

Petting George’s beautiful mane, Casey continued her cross-examination. “And what about at the end of the day?” She demanded. “How do you get him back to his stables?”

“In a trailer attached to my truck that I drive very carefully.  Would you like to run my license?”

“Please, don’t give her any ideas! She just might,” Tobias laughed.

“Ma’am,  George, here is family to me. I assure you, he’s the most spoiled horse in the City.  I wouldn’t let anything happen to him.”

“OK,” she nodded. “Then we can take the ride, but can I feed him a carrot first?”  

“You sure can,” the driver smiled.

When she was done, Tobias helped Casey step into the carriage. “You’re incredible,” he smiled. “You know that, right?”

“Really? Incredible in a good way or a bad way?”

Tobias’s eyes crinkled as the driver gave them a blanket to help keep them warm.

“In the very best way.”

“Thank God for this blanket,” Casey said with a shiver. “I didn’t realize how cold it was until we sat down.”

“I did,” Tobias laughed. “In fact, I’m thinking about striking a deal with Joel so we can keep this thing for the walk back to the car.”

While they were seated closely together, Casey eyed the tiny gap between them with caution.

“Well, if you’re that cold, we could huddle together. You know... for warmth.”  

“We could,” he replied nonchalantly. “Anything to stave off frostbite, right?”

“Right,” she smiled, sliding closer to him.

Tobias cautiously lifted his arm and wrapped it around her shoulder, pleading with the universe for the gesture not to upset her, and the universe delivered. Casey nuzzled her head into his shoulder.  He didn’t think this trip could get better, and just like that, it did. 

The clip-clopping of George’s hooves cut through the crisp air, providing the soundtrack as the carriage meandered gentle curves through the park. About halfway through, delicate snowflakes began to fall, and Tobias and Casey agreed this was better than anything they had ever seen on screen. They were approaching the end of the ride when Casey looked up and nervously giggled.

“Yes,” Tobias asked with a raised brow.

She pointed to a small sprig of mistletoe dangling between the red fringe that lined the carriage’s hood; it would have been easy to miss. Biting her lower lip, she turned away. The scene was too perfect, the moment was too ideal, but should she take the chance? Not allowing herself to give it further thought, she turned to Tobias with abandon.

“So... remember that day back in Cambridge? When I asked if we could kiss... you know... with no strings attached... and you said we could be friends with kissing benefits?”

“I do,” he smiled mischievously.

“Well, we are under the mistletoe, and this is such a special day.  Don’t feel obligated... you don’t have to... but if you want, I thought maybe we could.... mmmhhhh.”

Just like last time, she didn’t get to complete her sentence. Tobias’s soft lips were upon hers, his hand gently cupping her cheek as her arms wrapped around his neck. The kiss was sweet, warm, filled with a tenderness that each longed for but was afraid to claim as their own. This time, when the kiss broke, Casey was unwilling to let it end, pulling him back for one more.

When they silently parted, a blushing Casey diverted her eyes, and perhaps because he wasn’t ready to face the moment either, Tobias pulled her close against his chest, placing a loving kiss atop her head. They remained like that for the rest of the ride, each with a million thoughts swirling in their heads, but not a single word could make its way to their lips.

“Well, this is it, kids!” Joel yelled as he hopped off the carriage. “Did you enjoy yourselves?”

“Yes,” Casey said almost too quickly. “It was... it was beautiful!”

Tobias shook Joel’s hand, slipping him a tip, before he and Casey began their trek back to the car. The usual easiness between them was replaced with an awkward silence punctuated by small talk about the frigid temperatures and how they could no longer feel their toes. But each attempt to quell the discomfort faded too quickly, and quiet was upon them again. Finally, Casey grabbed Tobias’s wrist.

“T, wait a second,” she insisted, tugging him to face her.

“Is everything OK?” he asked.

“Yes... It’s more than OK. This weekend was just magical. It was more than anything I could have imagined, and I will always treasure the memories I made with you.”

“I’m going to do the same,” he smiled.

“I just hope,” she nervously chewed at her lip. “I hope I didn’t ruin things.”

“Ruin things?” he asked, with a creased brow. “Casey, you couldn’t ruin things if you tried.”

Looking up from under her lashes, she gave a tantalizing little smirk. “Wanna bet? The kiss on the carriage... I... I just got overwhelmed; everything was so beautiful, it was so romantic, and then the mistletoe was there, and I...I....”

“Casey, Casey...” he said, taking her hands. “It’s all right. Everything’s fine.”  

“It... it is.”

“Sure,” he comforted. “Look, it doesn’t have to mean anything.”

He watched as the relief that just settled on her features turned into something different, something that looked like hurt, and he was quick to recover.

“Let me correct that. Of course, it means something. Everything with you is very special... because it’s with you. That was a beautiful moment, and I’m glad we got to share it together, but it doesn’t have to mean any more than you want it to. I know where you are right now, and I respect that. We can just leave that tender moment alone.”

“You know... I am feeling better every day,” she insisted. “On this trip, for the first time since the attack, I felt like my old self again. In fact, I went two whole days without even thinking about it.”

“I could tell,” he smiled. “And it was beautiful to see.”

“But, I’m still not... I’m just... still not...”

“Casey,” he whispered. “It’s OK. I promise you...it’s OK.”  

“Good,” she smiled. “Thank you.”

“But maybe,” he stalled, already kicking himself for what he was about to say. “Maybe we should hold of on that friends with kissing benefits stuff. You know? I don’t want it to confuse you, and I really don’t want it to hurt what we’ve built between us.”

“Well, I don’t see how they could hurt,” she faltered. “But... but... maybe you’re right, at least for now. But hug... hugs are still allowed, right?”

“Oh, hugs are always allowed,” he grinned, pulling her into one of the tightest ones he could offer.  

“Good,” she sighed with relief. “Because I always need those.”

Then, the two friends stood in the middle of the busy street as the cold wind blew. The sounds that made up the City's symphony- laughter, arguments, honking horns, and sirens blaring in the distance surrounded them. But Casey and Tobias didn’t recall that they were on an island of nearly two million people, for there were only two who mattered, and right now, they were clinging to the moment for as long as time would allow.

“Come on,” Casey smiled, taking his hand. “We need to get you home to Boston.”

“You got it,” he nodded. “But I have a feeling we’ll be back to visit.”

“I think so, too. Oh, and Tobias?”

“Yes?”

“I know it’s early, but... Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Casey,” he smiled, tenderly bopping her nose. “Merry Christmas.”

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Will tag others in reblog.

[jerzwriter]

Tobias took his friend Casey to his hometown of Washington, DC, to show her how they did the holidays. She was impressed, but now it was time to show him how it was really done in her hometown of Philadelphia. As they spend time surrounded by Christmas magic, will they be able to keep their promise to be "just friends?"

Book: Open Heart Characters: Tobias Carrick & Casey MacTavish (F!MC) Rating: Teen Words: 1,700 A/N: This is an altered version of a fic I wrote in 2022... but as I'm finally filling in the gaps of my Tobias/Casey headcanon, I needed to make some changes. If you're following the HC, this story would take place after Part Two: With a Capitol T. Part three will be about the last leg of their trip, and the epilogue will follow. I originally posted these as one ridiculously long fic... crazy town. lol I'm also in the process of updating my Tobias/Casey masterlist to make this a little less confusing... for me, more than you! lol. Thanks to anyone who checks this out!

Series Masterlist | Tobias x Casey Masterlist Masterlist

The day after their DC adventure, they slept in a bit. Casey had assured Tobias that while there was plenty to see during the day, the real Christmas magic in Philly took place at night, so a little more sleep wasn't just doable—she encouraged it!

When they arrived, she immetiately treated him to her favorite bagels to start the day, then it was time for a daylight stroll through Christmas Village.  Tobias was duly impressed. The tiny shops had an old-world charm, right in the middle of a bustling city, but Casey told him...

“You haven’t seen anything yet! Just wait until tonight!"

Philadelphia’s City Hall was a grand structure that was breathtaking no matter the time of year, but like everything else, during the holidays, it was spectacular. Surrounded by a cornucopia of holiday treats, it couldn't help but bring out the child in them. Casey was eager to ice skate, but Tobias passed. Still, he was happy to watch her twirl. He had no problem joining her on the Ferris wheel, taking in the sights of the City from high above, before they headed to Macy’s for the Christmas Light Show. Not one to pass up a chance to shop, Tobias spent a little more time there than Casey had budgeted for, but the good thing? By the time they left, darkness had fallen upon the City of Brotherly Love, and Tobias stood in awe in the center of it. Casey was one hundred percent right. As beautiful as it had been during the day, nothing could compare to now. 

It felt like they had stepped into a Christmas movie, with the aroma of roasted chestnuts filling the air as carolers sang Christmas songs nearby. There were plenty of harried shoppers pushing through the crowds, but for every one of them, there seemed to be a dozen others who were casually strolling around, soaking in the wonders of the season. Laughing families with tired toddlers in strollers or sitting atop their father’s shoulders, coworkers giggling over mulled cider, and couples – couples of every age strolled by hand in hand, often stopping to take a picture in front of the iconic LOVE sculpture. Tobias closed his eyes and took in a long breath - it truly was Christmastime. This was a feeling he was certain was only a part of his past. Sure, he had enjoyed holiday parties, happy hours with friends, and the like, but this... this was different, and he wanted to commit every second to memory.

“Excuse me,” a young woman's voice interrupted Tobias from his reverie. “Would you mind taking our picture?" She asked, motioning to the gentleman by her side. "Selfies are great and all, but they only go so far.”

“'I'd be delighted,” he smiled, removing a gove to better grasp her phone. He took one picture, then another, and egged them on a bit before snapping the third. "Oh, come on, give her a little kiss! On the count of three! One, two...” Snap!

The couple thanked him profusely before walking away, and he found himself unsettled by the emotion welling up inside him... was that... envy? His mind began to wander, and he could almost picture walking through the city clutching Casey’s hand; she'd stop them in their tracks to reach up and kiss his cheek, walking arm in arm; an older couple would stop them to declare how they remind them of themselves when they were younger. It was a picture that was as enticing as it was terrifying, but he couldn't shake the image if he wanted to, and in reality, he didn't want to. But a tap on his shoulder from none other than the subject daydream brought him back to reality, and he only hoped she couldn't read his mind.

“Ready to head to City Hall again?” she asked, handing him a pretzel purchased from a street vendor. "You’ll see; it’s a different world once the sun goes down.”

“Lead the way, princess,” he smiled, fighting the visceral urge to take her hand. “Lead the way.”

~~~~~

“OK,” he admitted as the imposing historic building awash in colorful lights came into their view, “and it is not easy for me to do... but you win. Christmas in Philly is pretty amazing.”

“Yey!!” she squealed, jumping up and down like a child who had just won a treasured prize. She had Tobias mesmerized, and her eyes landed on him; he was smiling. Not any smile, but that smile that made his dimples stand out, where his eyes crinkled, and then she'd just melt. She quickly looked away. She had to. She may have been loathe to admit it, but she was well aware of the effect that smile had on her, and no. There was no way she was going there.  “And you haven’t even seen the tree lit up at night yet,” she said, attempting self-distraction. “I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!”

“Wait, you’re not gonna gloat?”

“No,” she smiled. “I’m just so happy to see you experiencing this all for the first time... to share it with you. I wanted you to feel the magic, too.”

“Oh, trust me, Casey, I feel it. This is something I'll never forget."

They arrived at the Town Hall tree, and once again, Tobias was forced to surrender. “Wow! OK. I’m giving up completely... your tree wins.”

“Ha!” she yelled, nudging his shoulder with hers. “I told you so!”

“Hey, what happened to no gloating!”

She looked up at him with a devilish glint. “Can you just give me this, Carrick?"

He hoped his eyes would not betray him. I would give you anything, he thought but settled with saying, "Sure. You can have this."

“Thank you! I mean, it is the greatest Christmas tree in the world, so..."

“Yeah, no,” a booming voice shouted out from behind, bursting the little bubble they had created

Casey turned around with a cocked brow and hand on her hip. Her Philly attitude is on full display. “Excuse me?” she challenged.

“I mean, this is nice and all, but if you want to see the best in the world, ya gonna have to head to New York."

Crossing her arms in defiance, she glared at the entirely too-tall stranger. "I don’t believe you.”

“Have you ever seen it?”

“Uhm, no... not in person.”

“Then you can’t judge, can you?" The man smirked. "I’m a New Yorker. TRUST me on this.”  

“Well, if it’s so great... what are you doing here?”

“Ehh… my wife is from Philly,” he shrugged. “I have to indulge her every now and again.”

“Well, how kind of you,” Casey replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Hey,” the man chuckled jovially, “Happy wife, happy life.  And, while New York may have the best Christmas tree, I will concede Philly has the best women!” He slapped Tobias on the shoulder with such force he had to stop himself from stumbling forward. “Isn’t that right, buddy?”

Casey and Tobias turned to each other, deer caught in the headlights. Casey’s wit seemed to drain from her, along with the color on her face, as Tobias turned back to the man, trying to recover.

“While I don’t disagree with you, she’s not my wife... not even my girlfriend... we’re just friends.”

Casey didn't understand the way her throat clenched or why her eyes filled with water at his words, but the man took a long look at her, then Tobias, and smiled. "“Well, I’d get to work on that if I were you, pal. Capiche? Happy Holidays, you two.”

Casey’s cheeks were redder than the bows adorning the massive tree, and it had nothing to do with the cold. Unable to look at Tobias, she peered down at her Uggs as if they had an answer. Wiggling her toes in the soft fleece, she struggled for something to say. But as she looked away, Tobias's eyes never left her. He could have been honest about his feelings, or he could have uttered any of the dozen bad jokes he had at the ready to defuse the situation, but he couldn't do either. Honesty wasn't an option, but neither was lying about his true feelings. There was a wall of fire burning between them, but neither would risk getting burned.

“I have an idea,” he said, attempting to put them both at ease.

“What’s that?” Casey asked gratefully.

“Let’s put this ‘greatest Christmas tree of all’ thing to rest once and for all.  What do you say we swing by New York on the way home tomorrow.”

“Seriously?”

“I don’t joke about things like this.”

Casey bit her lip as she smiled. “I’d love to!”

“So we have a plan for tomorrow! But what do you want for the rest of the night?”

“Let’s take a ride down 13th Street. You have to see those lights! They don't call it the Miracle on 13th Street for nothing! Then... cookies and a movie at the hotel? If we’re adding New York to the itinerary, we should probably rest up.”

“If medicine doesn’t work out for you, you have a career as a cruise director, kid,” he grinned. “Let’s go.”

An hour later, they sat on the couch in their hotel room, a bowl of popcorn and a plateful of cookies within reach as they watched “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Exhausted, Casey had to lie down, placing her feet on Tobias’s lap. Unsure how to react, he rested his hand atop her ankle and exhaled when she didn't balk.

Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings. That's right, that's right!

The movie concluded and delivered a lump the size of coal in TObias's throat. “You know, I am man enough to admit... that damn line gets me every time.”

But Casey didn’t answer; she had fallen fast asleep.  With a tender smile, Tobias slipped off the couch to retrieve a blanket. There was no sense waking her. After tucking it around her, he leaned over to place the most delicate kiss atop her head.

“Sweet dreams, princess,” he whispered before heading to bed. "Sweet dreams."

~~~~~

Casey was absolutely giddy when she hopped into Tobias’s car the next morning.

“I can’t believe we’re going to New York, too! This has been the greatest trip,” she enthused. “It really feels like Christmas, doesn’t it, T?”

“It sure does,” he softly smiled.

“How long is the drive?” She asked

“Once we’re on the NJ Turnpike, we’re looking about two hours.”

“Great!” she beamed. “That gives us plenty of time for holiday music!”

They made it ten minutes before Mariah Carey belted out of the surround sound in Tobias's car. (Can one really go longer than that without hearing Mariah during this season?) Casey amped up the volume, and then it happened! Her voice may have been off-key; her “seat dancing” technique was nothing anyone would ever wish to emulate, but she grabbed her empty coffee cup as an improvised microphone and gave one hell of a performance for her imaginary crowd. Meanwhile, her live audience of one was grinning from ear to ear.

“I don’t want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need Don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree I don’t need to hang my stocking there upon the fireplace Santa Claus won’t make me happy with a toy on Christmas Day I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is yoooooooooouuuuuuuuuuu.”

“You’re gonna give Mariah a run for her money,” Tobias chuckled. 

“Really,” Casey winced. “I’m pretty sure she’d tell me to keep my day job…. Well, once I’m back at my day job."

“Hey! You’re getting closer every day,” he reassured. “You’ll be back to Ethan driving you bonkers in no time.”

“Hmm. When you put it that way it sounds odd to say I hope so, but I do hope so. Still, until then, I have a gig in this car and I take my obligations very seriously!"

She looked up at him with an endearing smile. "Don't worry! I promise to buy you a huge bottle of Advil as soon as we hit the City!”

“No need,” he laughed, pointing to his glove compartment. “There are some in there, but I don’t need them.”

“Good,” Casey smiled. “Next up, Santa Claus is Coming to Town!”

She began singing the song, a la Bruce Springsteen, but she had no idea how much Tobias agreed. Seeing Casey this happy? Santa was not coming to town, he had already arrived and delivered the greatest gift he had ever received.

Final stop coming up: New York! 🍎

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging Tobias Stans only - @alj4890 @kyra75 @coffeeheartaddict2 @brycesgirl @icecoffee90 @storyofmychoices

[jerzwriter]

Three months after the chemical attack at Edenbrook, Tobias asks his friend, Casey, to join him on a trip back to his hometown of Washington, DC. It's turned into a bit of a competition about whose city does Christmas best, and both are determined to win. In part two, join Tobas & Casey on their journey from Boston to the Nation's Capitol.

Book: Open Heart Characters: Tobias Carrick & Casey MacTavish (F!MC) Sienna, Aurora, Jackie (Briefly) Rating: Teen Words: 1,060 A/N: This is an altered version of a fic I wrote in 2022... but as I'm finally filling in the gaps of my Tobias/Casey headcanon, I needed to make some changes. If you're following the HC, this story would take place after Part One: A Proposition. Parts Two and Three will be the second and final leg of their trip. I originally posted it as one ridiculously long fic, and that was just crazy stuff. lol I'm also in the process of updating my Tobias/Casey masterlist to make this a little less confusing... for me, more than you! lol. Thanks to anyone who checks this out!

Series Masterlist | Tobias x Casey Masterlist Masterlist

Sienna’s brow was furrowed as she watched Casey close her suitcase. 

“You’re sure you’re OK with this?” she asked.

“Yes, Sienna. For the third time, I’m fine. Tobias got a suite so we can each have our own room, and… I trust him.  He’s done nothing but help me since… well… you know.”

Sienna plopped on the bed with a sigh. “I guess if you’re OK with this, then suppose I should be as well.”

“You think?” Aurora asked from the doorway. “Si, I understand being worried. But this is a good thing!” She turned to Casey with an approving grin. “I mean, look at you! Going away for a couple days – you’ve come so far, and I’m proud of you. Plus, I know you’re in good hands with T. Uh, I mean, not that you will be in his hands.  Unless you want to be, and no judgment from me if you do, that’s just not what I meant.”

“I know what you meant,” Casey smiled.  “And you’re right. I will be in good hands.  He… he really cares about me, and he’s proven that.”

“I have to admit, he has.” Sienna conceded, “But I’m still making it clear that he better treat you well before you leave. If anything goes wrong, I will hold him accountable.”

“Don’t worry, Sienna,” Casey laughed. “Neither of us would expect anything less.”

The doorbell rang and Casey immediately grabbed her coat and hat. Flushed with excitement, she had to admit, this was the first time she had looked forward to something since the attack, and it felt good.

“Hey!” Tobias lit up the moment he saw her, taking the wattage down when he saw Sienna looking on sternly from behind. “Good to see you, too, Si.” he winked. He went to pick up Casey's sole suitcase and turned to her with astonishment.

“One bag? That’s it?”

“Yeah,” she shrugged. “It’s just a few days... unless you’re planning on kidnapping me?”

“Nah, I’ll have you back right on time. But you have to understand, I grew up with a mom that packed four bags for a weekender. So forgive me if I find this remarkable.”

“Four bags for a weekend?” Casey gasped.

“Yeah, she’s a bit high maintenance. If you ever meet her, you’ll understand.”

“What do you mean?” Aurora teased. “You’re not introducing her while you’re in DC?”

“Are you freaking kidding me?” Tobias shot back. “I love my Ma, but she can be... a lot. Besides, she’d probably be working on an engagement invitation within an hour. No way would she believe we’re just friends.”

A soft blush settled on Casey’s cheeks, but her friends wouldn’t let this opportunity pass.

“Yeah,” Jackie yelled from the couch. “Most of us call bullshit on that one.”

“Jackie!” Casey reprimanded, but Aurora supportively tapped her friend's shoulder.

“Ignore her. You two should get going; if you leave now, you’ll avoid rush hour traffic.”

“That’s the plan,” Tobias said, lifting Casey's bag. “All set, MacTavish?”

“All set!”

“Then let’s go! Your chariot awaits!”

~~~~~

The decision to fly was nixed in favor of driving. They both loved road trips, and neither regretted the choice. The ride was punctuated with pleasant conversations, Christmas music, a couple of stops to partake in local delicacies, and even an impromptu snowball fight at a rest stop in Maryland.  When they arrived at their suite, they were so tuckered out there was little more to do than wash up and head to bed.  After all, they had a big day waiting for them.

They were up bright and early to enjoy the Willard InterContinental’s breakfast buffet.  Casey eyed the opulent surroundings and nervously looked over her attire. This definitely wasn’t the Holiday Inns she was used to, and she felt a little out of her league.  But her trepidation melted away when Tobias returned to the table, his plate stacked with food.

“Trying to get a lot of sustenance in,” she laughed.

“You better believe it! I have quite an itinerary planned. We’re walking the Mall. I have a checklist of all the museums we want to see. I need fuel. Are you sure you had enough?”

“I’ve had plenty,” she rubbed her stomach with delight. “And it was delicious.”

Sitting back in her chair, she watched Tobias scoff down his food, but he noticed immediately when a bit of discomfort encroached upon her happy mood.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

“I just… this place and all, it’s a little more than I’m used to. I feel like I’m out of my element. And it had to cost a fortune. I don’t like that you had to take on such an expense.”

With a tender expression, he instinctively reached over and placed his hand atop hers, then flinched when he realized he may have crossed a line. He gave a squeeze, then quickly retreated.

“This is as much for me as it is for you.  It’s been a long time since I treated myself, and it’s been a long time since I gave a damn about the holidays at all. So let’s just enjoy it.”

“I’ll try.”

“Come on,” he said, scooping the last bite of food from his dish. “Let’s get going. We have a long day ahead.”

He gave Casey a full tour around the city, only to learn that she had been there several times before, though never during this time of year.  As a history buff, she spent an inordinate amount of time at each monument, and Tobias did his best to ignore that he was freezing. After all, the look of delight on her face was worth a tiny bit of frostbite. He soon figured out how to work museum stops to allow a chance to defrost, but that was all undone when they reached Capitol Hill. There was enough snow on the ground to partake in a sleigh ride, and neither was about to pass up on that opportunity. Throughout the day, they had seen just about every Christmas tree in town, but as night fell, they approached the Capitol tree, the most impressive of them all.

“So, what do you think?” He asked boastfully.

“I mean, it’s nice,” Casey half-shrugged. “Very nice, even.”

“But?”

“You’ll see when we get to Philly,” she grinned. “You’ll see.”

“Wow! You’re a tough customer. Are you saying today hasn’t been magical?”

“I said no such thing!” She smiled, her face lit up by a million little lights twinkling on the tree, Tobias was sure this was the most magical moment of all.

“It’s been amazing.  But let’s see what tomorrow holds.”

Next Stop: Philadelphia.

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Like last time, just tagging some Tobias stans @alj4890 @kyra75 @coffeeheartaddict2 @brycesgirl @icecoffee90 @storyofmychoices

[jerzwriter]

It's three months after the attack at Edenbrook Hospital, and Christmas is almost here! After being challenged by someone, Tobias is off to spend the day with his friend, Casey. He has a proposition for her, but will she be on board?

Book: Open Heart Characters: Tobias Carrick & Casey (F!MC), Jackie Varma Rating: Teen Warnings: Very small mention of PTSD and anxiety Words: 1,300 A/N: This is an altered version of an old fic written in 2022... but as I'm finally filling in the gaps of my Tobias/Casey headcanon, I needed to make some changes. If you're following the HC, this story would take place after The Fine Print and before the next part of With Warning, which will be posted later tonight. I'm also in the process of updating my Tobias/Casey masterlist to make this a little less confusing... for me, more than you! lol. Thanks to anyone who checks this out!

Series Masterlist | Tobias x Casey Masterlist Masterlist

He rubbed his hands together vigorously as he approached her apartment door.  His gloves were no match for this kind of cold.  The plan was to walk to Faneuil Hall to see the Christmas decorations, but given the forecast, Tobias hoped Casey had changed her mind.  He knew of a lovely café in Concord where they could sit by the fireplace and talk for hours, and, best of all, they’d be warm.  But, these weekly outings were about Casey, and if it was Faneuil Hal she wanted, he’d be happy to concede, even if it meant hypothermia. 

The knock on the door was powerful enough to reverberate down the hall, and he smiled when he heard the lock click open. Expecting to see Casey on the other side, his grin was wide, and it faltered the moment he saw Jackie.  

“Pleased to see you too,” she said sarcastically, stepping aside to let him in.  “Are you here for your weekly custodial visit?”

His eyes narrowed.  “Really, Jackie?”

“Relax,” she relented, “I’m joking.  In fact, you’ve almost impressed me.”

“Me? Impressed... you?”

Jackie shrugged her shoulders. “Casey really looks forward to seeing you... even during her most difficult weeks. I had my doubts about you, but... you’re all right, Carrick.”

“Wow, Varma! You going soft on me?”

He burst out laughing when Jackie flipped him the finger, but deep down, he took it as a sign of affection. 

“You know, I was doing it for her when this started. I would have done anything to help her after the attack, but I have to admit, now they’re just as much for me. It’s the highlight of my week.”

“Tobias J. Carrick. You are so in love.”

“What?” he blurted. “First, my middle initial is not J!”

“I improvised.”

“And I am not in love! I care about Casey. I mean… so do you… right? Does that mean you’re in love with her? No! And neither am I.”

“Hmm,” she hummed, sticking a spoon of yogurt in her mouth. “The man doth protest too much.”

Their conversation abruptly stopped when Casey’s bedroom door opened, and she stepped into the living room woefully underdressed for one of Boston’s coldest days. Tobias eyed her, wearing no more than a long-sleeved pink t-shirt and faded blue jeans, and he quickly raised a brow.  

“Uh, princess, you’re not going out dressed like that today. You’ll freeze to death.”

“Yes, Dad,” she said with a roll of her eyes.  “But I’m not going out; it’s too cold. I thought maybe we could stay in and watch a movie?”

“We could, or we could go to this little café in Concord.  They have the best hot chocolate, there’s a fireplace and….”

He stopped speaking when he saw Casey slipping into her down jacket. “You had me at hot chocolate,” she said, grabbing his arm. “Let’s go!”

They turned onto the highway just as the snow began to fall; Mariah Carey blared from the radio, and one thing was certain, Christmas was almost here. He caught a glimpse of Casey peering out the window, just a hint of a smile on her lips. He didn’t know her this time last year. Still, he was sure she would have been belting out the lyrics if he had, but given the darkness she had recently survived, he gave thanks for small steps. 

“Hey, listen…” he asked apprehensively. “I have a proposition for you.”

“Ah!” she said, throwing her hands in the air. “People warned me this was coming.”

“Oh, I have a comedian in my car, huh?” He laughed. “That role is limited to me, dear.”

“Oh, no, it’s not!” she chuckled. “But tell me, what’s this proposition?”

“I know our deal is I take you out once a week, and we do whatever you want. But I was wondering if you’d be OK with me picking the itinerary for our next outing?”

Casey slapped her hand against her thigh. “Ah… I knew this day was coming!”

“You mad?”

“No, I’m teasing.  I think it’s a good thing.  It’s like you don’t think I’m as fragile anymore. We can’t shake things up a bit... and I like it.”

“Hey! I never thought you were fragile,” He insisted. “Casey, you are one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. I’d never think that of you.”

“Thank you for the vote of confidence,” she grinned. “But you still haven’t shared your idea.”

“I’ve been a bit homesick lately, don’t know why... but I was thinking of taking a drive there. I wondered if you’d like to come along. I can show you what the holidays were like growing up, and I wouldn’t mind the company.” 

“Tobias,” she said flatly. “You grew up in DC.”

“I know where I grew up,” he chuckled. “It’s a bit of a trip, but we could fly down.”

The music had turned maudlin as a string quartet strummed an old Christmas song neither knew. This somberness caused the long pause to be more painful than it was.

“T... I can’t go. I’m still out of work, and flying to DC’s just not in my budget.”

“So, I’ll pay. I have to get you a Christmas gift anyway, that could be it. What do you say?”

“Really?” She smiled, anticipation in her eyes.

“Yeah.”

“I guess we could... even if it’s just so I can tell you that the holidays in DC could never compare to those in Philly.”

“Sure,” he snickered. “No hometown bias there.”

“As if you’re any different? The only difference here is that I am right, and you’re wrong.”

“Oh really! That’s big talk! You willing to back that up?”

“I sure am.”

“Good.  Now we’re officially going to DC and Philly.”

“That would be difficult to do in a day, Tobias.”

“So, we make it two.  I need to use some of my vacation time by the end of the year, anyway. We can make it an overnighter.”

Casey flinched, and her mood changed in an instant. Tobias could almost feel the tension.    

“Oh. No. You don’t... no... you didn’t think,” he stuttered. “I’d get two rooms... I hope you didn’t think I was trying to....”

“Take it easy,” she smiled, quickly putting him at ease. “I didn’t think that... well, maybe just for a second...but that’s not it.”

“Then, what is it?”

“I just haven’t been away from home since the attack. I’m just recently able to be outside without panicking again.”  

“Hey, if you’re not ready, we don’t go.”

“No. I’ve been feeling better, and I have to try to spread my wings again. Honestly, it would probably do me good. But I still get anxious when I’m alone... so could you get one room... with two beds? I think it would make me more comfortable.”

A warmth that could combat the frigid temperatures outside overcame him. She trusted him. She felt safe with him, and she had no idea how much that meant. 

“I could do one better. I’ll get a suite. This way, we can each have our own room, but I’ll just be a few steps away if you need me.”

“Are you sure? If it’s not too much of a bother...”

“To prove that my town kicks your town’s ass,” he snorted, “nope, no bother at all!”

“Then it’s all set!” She replied joyfully. “But you’re gonna cry like a baby when Philly destroys DC. I can’t wait!”

He took his eyes off the road for just a minute. She was beaming. Not only was her smile sincere, but the light that had once been in her eyes was slowly returning. The sound of the blinker seemed to be in time with the upbeat song as they reached their exit, and he turned back to the road with a placid grin. For Tobias, Christmas had arrived early.

~~~~~

Tagging @choicesficwriterscreations and @openheartfanfics because it is a big revision of the original.

Other than that, I'm just tagging newer readers & Tobias stans, because I'm not sure if anyone really wants to read it. lol

@alj4890 @kyra75 @coffeeheartaddict2 @brycesgirl @icecoffee90 @storyofmychoices

[jerzwriter]

Things Unsaid (2/3)

This fic is part of a new Tobias & Casey AU, What's Forever For? (Learn more about it here.) For those who follow my T/C HC, their background is a little different here. A headcanon will be posted in the next day or two. 😊

Book:                   Open Heart (Post Series-Alternate Universe)

Pairing:                Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey)

Characters: Sienna Trinh

Rating:                 Teen

Category:            Angst/Short-Series/AU

Warnings: Regret, divorce, mention of miscarriage

Series Summary: Three days. That's all that stands between Tobias and Casey Carrick and the end of their marriage. The house is sold, they've said goodbye, and now they just have to wait to make it official. But what happens if one (or both) have second thoughts?

Chapter Summary: Having a hard time handling her upcoming divorce, Casey spends the day with Sienna, and the women share an enlightening heart-to-heart.

Words: 1,946

A/N: Participating in @choicesmonthlychallenge - Friends WFF? Universe Info & Masterlist Tobias & Casey Masterlist All Works Masterlist

The grandfather clock down the hall chimed twelve times. Its loud gong echoed throughout the tiny home, louder each time it struck. It was already noon, but that mattered not to Casey. She pulled a pillow over her head, hoping to muffle the offensive noise, but it was too loud, and her attempt failed miserably. Didn’t the damn clock understand? Sleep was the only place she could hide nowadays. The only place where her heart, body, mind, and soul found as much as a kernel of respite. And this offensive object thought nothing of stealing it away. She struggled to sit up, having decided she’d have to face the day at some point. Besides, Sienna’s couch wasn’t all that comfy anyway.

“It’s a difficult time,” her mother would say. “But you’ll get through it. You’re strong! You can do this!”

And it wasn’t only her mother. Well-meaning friends offered up unsolicited advice and platitudes daily. Sometimes sharing their own stories of personal triumph to convince her she possessed what it took to make it through. On the best days, Casey smiled politely, and on the worst, she walked away. She didn’t need them to tell her she had what it took. She knew she was strong; she knew she’d survive. But she didn’t want to be strong… she wanted to be loved… and to love in return. She wanted to turn back the hands of time and pray for a different outcome, one that didn’t leave her heart torn in two. But the clock couldn’t do that for her; all it could do was rob her of the only peace she had left.

Somehow she managed to sit upright but had no plans of getting up. She stared blankly out the window, watching the sunlight poke through the new leaves covering the trees. Spring. Rebirth. This was usually her favorite time of year, but now there was little joy to be found.

Sienna poked her head in from the hall; her heart ached to see her friend so forlorn. Most days, she wondered if she’d ever get the old Casey back. But she wasn’t giving in. No, she was determined to get her best friend back on her feet, and sometimes, that required tough love. She walked across the room with conviction and firmly poked Casey on the shoulder.

“It’s afternoon now, you. How about getting up? You should get showered and dressed.”

“Why?” Casey groaned, pulling the blanket up over her head.

“Because it will make you feel better. Come on, we can do whatever you want, my treat! We can get lunch, or go shopping, take a long walk? Oh! I know! We can go to one of those places where you get drunk and throw axes at things! That’s what we should do!” 

Casey lowered the blanket just a bit, and Sienna was delighted to see a hint of a grin on her face.

“That would be the opposite of good, my friend. Trust! You don’t want to be around drunken Casey with sharp objects right now.”

“Why not?” Sienna shrugged. “I have nothing to fear. I thought places like that were practically made for people going through your situation.”

“Maybe for some,” Casey smiled sadly, “but not for me.”

“Perhaps not, but your approach is sleeping on my couch until mold overtakes your body isn’t working either,” Sienna scolded. “I’m done coddling you. You need to rejoin the land of the living, and not only when Kyle’s around. Come on! You need to come to.”

“I will,” Casey sighed grievously. “I just… I wish this week was over already. I just want it in the rearview mirror.”

Sienna’s demeanor softened, and she took her friend into her arms.

“I know,” Sienna whispered, her mind rushing back to the day she stood next to Casey as the beaming couple exchanged their vows. No one ever thinks it will end up here. “I can only imagine how hard this is, but each day will get you a little further to healed, right?”

“Huh,” Casey snorted, pulling away and sitting up straight. “Yeah, right. In three days, I get the privilege of entering a courtroom, looking at the only man I’ve ever loved in his eyes, and signing a paper that essentially says that the life we spent over a decade building together was all for shit.”

“Casey,” Sienna consoled, “you know that’s not true!”

“Isn’t it?”  She jumped to her feet. “Isn’t it, though? Congratulations, Dr. Carrick…oh, and you, Dr. Almost Not Carrick Anymore! You’ve given your blood, sweat, and tears for this… you gave your heart, and your soul, and your… everything… and it wasn’t enough. You gave it all, and it was all for shit!”

“It was not for shit! You have….”

“Don’t say, Kyle! I know our son is a blessing and, yes, I know he wouldn’t be here if….” Casey covered her mouth and swallowed hard only to gather herself, for there was no way of holding back tears. “… I couldn’t even give my baby a good home,” she sniveled. “I failed at everything.”

“OK, now you need to stop! A marriage takes two people, Casey; you didn’t end up here alone! And you’re not a failure! Marriage is hard! That’s why half of them fail! Besides….”

“Si,” Casey interrupted. “I know you mean well, but….”

“I’ll stop,” she acquiesced, motioning for Casey to join her on the couch. Once there, she laced her fingers with her friends and gave them a tight squeeze. Casey smiled softly, remembering how many times that tiny hand held onto her and got her through.

“Do you want me to take Wednesday off? I’ll go to court with you if you want. You shouldn’t be alone.”  

“No, Si, I appreciate it,” she smiled sadly. “But this is something I must do alone. Don’t worry. I’ll make it through.”  

“I know I was harping on you to go out today, but we can stay in if you want. I’ll order pizza and get a bottle of wine. We can watch movies about women who killed their husbands and got away with it.”

Casey let out a sharp cackle, holding her side as laughter overtook her. Sienna thought she was home free… but within seconds, the laughter turned into tears.

“Si, I didn’t want this,” she wailed.

“I know,” Sienna replied. She held her friend closed and stroked her hair, wishing she had the magic to make her happy again. “I know you didn’t.”

“No, you don’t understand. It’s not past tense, and I’m not being theoretical. I don’t want my marriage to be over.”  

“Case, what are you saying?”

“I’m saying that I still love Tobias. I don’t think I’ll ever love anyone else, and I don’t want to go through with this.”

Sienna was dumbfounded. “Casey… I know this is becoming real, and it’s got to be so painful, but you said… you said this was what you wanted?”

“Well, what else was I supposed to say? What else was I supposed to do when my husband told me he didn’t see us working out. That he had nothing left to give? It doesn’t matter what I want if he….” she stopped to bite her quivering lip. “He didn’t want me.”

“But, Casey… you’re the one who filed… I don’t….”

“Yes! To beat him to it! He was feeling so guilty that he wouldn’t pull the plug. It was dragging on and on, and I couldn’t live in limbo anymore. I couldn’t wake up every day wondering if today was the day I’d get served. So, I beat him to the punch! Because… because….”

“Because you wanted to hurt him as much as he hurt you… and Case, I’m not judging you. Hell, I would even say kudos if you were a divorce was what you really wanted… but if that wasn’t your desired end, then… then….”

“Then I fucked up.”

“Well, you both did your share of fucking up. But hindsight is 20-20. But what would you do right now? If Tobias burst through that door and said let’s call this off, I want to make it work. What would you say?”

“I’d say yes,” she replied without hesitation. “I’d say yes, let’s do it. I don’t care if we already split our things and sold our house. I wouldn’t care if people mocked us or said we were idiots. If I had another chance, Si, I’d grab it in a minute.”

“Then,” Sienna said firmly. “Then you know what you have to do.”

Casey looked at Sienna quizzically, a nervous chuckle in her chest as she shook her head.

“No. Absolutely not. Don’t be ridiculous!”

“I’m not. This isn’t something to take lightly. This is a divorce! This is final, and if you’re uncertain, you have to let Tobias know.”

“Sienna, I may have been the one who filed… but he’s the one who told me our marriage was over. He’s the one who said we’d be better apart. I pulled the plug, but he set it all in motion. He doesn’t want to be married… at least not to me… and I can’t grovel for him to tell me that one more time.”

Sienna’s face twisted, and she bit her lip to prevent herself from saying any more. But she and Casey were two peas in the same pod, they knew each other too well, and Casey could almost feel the words her best friend wouldn’t say.

“What? What do you want to say?” She ordered.

“Case… you guys have been through so much in recent years. So much, and… ever since….”

“You can say it, Si, ever since my miscarriage.”

“I’m just saying it was a lot for anyone. Maybe you both just needed more time….”

“The miscarriage was hell, but in its aftermath… that’s when we learned how different we wanted our futures to be.”  

“If that’s true, then why second guess your decision now?”  

“Because I realize that I jumped the gun. I was being as stubborn as he was and unwilling to compromise. And a marriage takes compromise. If I had a chance to do it all again, I would have handled things so differently, and the outcome may have been the same, but I would have done more and tried harder. We were… we were worth it.”  

“If you really feel that way… then you have to tell him.”

“I can’t….”

“Yes, you can! What do you have to lose? You’re getting divorced Wednesday. The only way there is a change that changes is if you talk to him.”

“Sienna! I can’t do it again. Do you know how it felt to hear him tell me we’re through? To see him look at me like I was a stranger. I can’t be vulnerable again. I can’t hand him my heart to let him smash one more time.”

“What if he feels the same? What if he’s somewhere now telling someone the same thing you’re telling me.”

“Huh,” Casey laughed ruefully. “He’s not. Trust me, he’s not.” Her mind drifted to his friends who he had been leaning on since things changed between them. Casey wasn’t a fan, and they returned the sentiment. Especially one friend… that’s likely where he was.

Sienna sighed in frustration and threw her hands in the air. “When is he due to pick up Kyle?”

“Tomorrow night. Why?”

“Why? Because I’ll be there when he arrives. Kyle and his favorite aunt can do something together, so the two of you can talk!”

“Sienna! I appreciate you, but all that’s left is our signatures. We had a thousand chances, and we blew everyone.”

“So then don’t blow this one. Because you still have one chance left, Casey. I don’t want to see you live with the regret of not taking it. You have one more chance.”  

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Tobias Only: @icecoffee90 @kyra75

[jerzwriter]

Complete Holiday Masterlist

Updated 02.14.2023

This masterlist contains all holiday fics, headcanons, art, and edits for all the stories and pairings I write for. This list is updated regularly. I hope you find something you enjoy!

Crimes of Passion - Trystan Thorne x Carolina Rose

Open Heart - Ethan Ramsey x Kaycee MacClennan

Open Heart - Tobias Carrick x Casey MacTavish

Open Heart - Open Heart Gang, Misc/Retired Pairings

Wake the Dead - Eli Sipes x Zoe Rivera

Open Heart - Casey MacTavish (F!MC) x Jessica Philips COMING SOON

Complete Masterlist

[jerzwriter]

What's Forever For Universe Things Unsaid Part 3/3

This fic is part of a new Tobias & Casey AU, What's Forever For? (Learn more about it here.) For those who follow my T/C HC, their background is a little different here. A headcanon will be posted in the next few days. 😊

Book:                   Open Heart (Post Series-Alternate Universe)

Pairing:                Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey)

Rating:                 Teen

Category:            Angst/Short-Series/AU

Warnings: Divorce/mention of miscarriage

Series Summary: Three days. That's all that stands between Tobias and Casey Carrick and the end of their marriage. The house is sold, they've said goodbye, and now they just have to wait to make it official. But what happens if one (or both) have second thoughts?

Chapter Summary: Tobias is heading to Casey's parent's house to pick up their son, Kyle. Both of them have so much they want to say, but insecurity, fear, and other factors stand in their way. Can they overcome the obstacles? Or will this be the end?

Words: 2.5 k

A/N: Participating in @choicesflashfics, I was ambitious and used prompts #1 and #2 this week! Also participating in @choicesmonthlychallenge prompt Love (painful love, but love.) I wanted to do one more quick edit - but I won't have time to do so for a while, so I'm going to be all Elsa and let it go. (Then I'll edit on Saturday and be mad at myself... you understand lol) WFF? Universe Info & Masterlist Tobias & Casey Masterlist All Works Masterlist

Monday evening.

The sun still shone so brightly that Casey didn’t need a light on as she stared at her reflection in the mirror of her childhood bedroom. Something to be grateful for… winter's darkness was finally lifting. She would be sure to include that on her gratitude list before going to sleep tonight. Well, attempting to sleep. It was a new habit she had recently adopted, desperate to find any bit of joy to carry her through.

If the mirror could talk, it would reassure her she was beautiful and that the outfit she was inspecting was as lovely as the dozen that had come before. But Casey remained unconvinced. A quick glance around the room, and suddenly, she was back in high school, every ounce of self-confidence, gone.

But that insecure teenager didn’t exist anymore. She had been replaced by an accomplished physician, one of the brightest of her generation… admired, respected, and renowned. Until recently, she had it all. One half of the dynamic duo… the Doctors Carrick: medical marvels by day, loving… excessively so… couple by night. They did it all with aplomb and looked damn good as they did. When baby Kyle came along, the picture was complete. Everything was perfect. Right? So how’d she end up here?

She pulled a pink sweatshirt over her head and tossed it on the growing pile of rejects scattered on the floor. Apparently that insecure teenager had never been too far away after all.

She had already decided to wear her old baby blue jeans that fit like a second skin. Comfortable and worn, they were like an old friend, and she needed that more than anything. Sure, they looked great on her, and there was a time when he couldn’t keep his hands off her when she wore them, but Casey pushed that out of her mind. That wasn’t why she chose them, she insisted. It had nothing to do with that at all.

A soft cream-colored cardigan over a lacy camisole was the next contender. She twisted around, studying her reflection… No. It was too much. She couldn’t look like she was trying; she couldn’t even bring herself to admit that she was. This could easily turn into a nearly wordless handoff of their son. Parenting agreements, custody arrangements… all part of her new world. Tobias would likely see her for all of five minutes without a care about how she looked or what she wore. But… if he noticed… she couldn’t have him thinking she was primping for the past hour, even if it were true. 

A deep sigh escaped her. She didn’t know if she was brave enough to keep her promise to Sienna. Her confidence was stronger when telling him the truth was an abstract idea and a full day away. Now that the moment approached, courage seemed to escape her.

I love you, Tobias. I never stopped. I think we rushed into this, and if we try a little harder, I know we can make our marriage, our family work. I love you, and I don’t want to live without you by my side. Do you still love me? Do you want me, too?

It was easy when she practiced it a thousand times in her head. Ashe envisioned a beautiful rom-com ending for a love she knew would last forever – together or not. But as the moment approached, it was a past conversation that kept creeping into her mind.

“I can’t do this anymore, Casey. I’ve tried, we’ve tried… we always end up back here. This isn’t what we got married for. We have to accept… I know it’s hard, but… but… We’re not going to make it. Our marriage, it’s over. I have nothing else left to give.”

She survived hearing those words once, just barely; but she was unsure if she had the wherewithal to do it again. The numbing acceptance that defined her new reality was temporarily interrupted by a vision of a happy ending. But what if he said no? Could she remove the bandage and expose the wound once more? She wasn't sure she could.

The sound of voices near the front porch pulled her from her thoughts. 

“Shit!” she muttered, pulling the pink sweatshirt back over her head. It would have to do. She glanced at the clock, he was twenty minutes early, and she was unprepared. Already, things were not going as planned.

~~~~~

His hands were still white knuckling the steering wheel, even though he had put the car into park over five minutes before. He glanced at his watch; it was early. He didn’t want to look desperate… or inconsiderate… for all he knew, he could be the last person she wanted to see. For a man who had spent most of his life with assured confidence frequently bordering on cocky, these feelings still left him lost. Doubt, insecurity, confusion, regret… they weren’t in his vocabulary before. He learned that he was infallibly human, and he didn’t like it one bit.

Taking one last look in the mirror, he jumped out of the car before he lost his nerve. His feet were carrying him down the narrow concrete path that led to Casey’s parent’s home. He had been lucky enough to avoid his parents-in-law on previous handoffs. He told himself it would be better when he and Casey settled into their new places. Then he remembered that wasn’t what he wanted at all. It would be better if….

“Tobias,” Rose called out, doing her best to be polite.

His luck had to run out sooner or later, he turned to her with a nervous smile.

“Hey,” he said, not knowing what to call her anymore. The comfortable, Ma, he had used for the past decade sure didn’t seem to fit anymore. “It’s been a while.”

“Mmm. Just another thing we’ll have to get used to. You’re early,” she observed. “Kyle’s out getting ice cream with David. They should be back soon.”

Her arms crossed in front of her chest, and she did not offer to invite him inside. She knew the day would come when she’d have to be more cordial, for Kyle’s sake, but that day was not today.

“OK… I uh… was wondering if…” he stumbled. “You know what, I’ll just wait in the car.”

But before he could walk away, the front door crashed open, and like a vision, Casey appeared. For a moment, she was sixteen again. The boy her parents deemed unsuitable was attempting to make a call, and Rose was in momma-bear mode sending him away. But she wasn’t sixteen anymore, and the decision was hers to make.

“Hi,” Tobias smiled sheepishly. “I’m sorry I’m early. I was just going to wait in…”

“No…” she halted. “Mom, I need to talk to Tobias alone. Would you give us some time?”

“You’re of age,” Rose shrugged. “I’ll be in the garden if you need me.”

Tobias’s cheeks turned red and he was uncertain if it stemmed from anger or shame. Their marriage was ending, but did Rose seriously think he’d do Casey any harm? But then again, how could he blame her? For he already had.

The estranged couple settled into the living room, Casey offered to get him a drink. He politely declined. Accepting her hospitality just didn’t seem fair. He sat perched on one end of the couch as Casey cautiously took her place on the other.

“So,” he spoke softly, eyes fixed on his fidgeting hands, “you wanted to talk.”

“Uh, yeah,” Casey stammered. “I just… we haven’t really had the chance to talk since our last day at the house, and… well… it’s just two days away now.”

Perhaps he would have noticed the tears in her eyes if he were looking her way, but shame prevented him from doing so.

“Yeah,” he sighed ruefully. “Two days.”

“I… I was wondering… is there anything we need to… do… before then?”

“I don’t know,” he shrugged. “I suppose the lawyers would tell us if we did.”

“Yeah,” she scoffed. “The lawyers….”

Anxiety began to grip her and Casey turned her gaze away, fixing it on Tobias’s keys and phone tossed on the coffee table. Silence weighed heavy in the room, and the longer it hung, the more forming words felt impossible.

Tobias hadn’t intentionally let the silence linger; he was lost in thought weighing what option would be worse… returning to his mother’s and admitting he didn't tell Casey he loved her and didn’t want their marriage to end. Or telling Casey the truth and risking eviscerating rejection once more.

“Casey, I don’t want this. I love you, I’ve always loved you, and I always will. I know you think I just wasn’t meant to be married, and you know what… you’re one -hundred percent right. I never was. Until I met you. If there was ever anybody meant for me, it’s you. We gave up too easily, and ignoring our problems wouldn’t make them go away. I love you, I want you… please, please give us one more chance.”

“Tobias?”

Casey’s voice beckoned him back to the present.

“Yeah…” he startled, “I was just… thinking….”

“I was saying Kyle will be back any moment now, so… if there was anything we wanted to say… now would be the time.”

“Casey,” he started, “this all feels so, so….”

“Wrong,” she finished. “Look at us. We’re afraid to even speak to each other; this is never who we were.”

“It’s not,” he sighed. “We got so lost along the way.”  

“We did,” she choked back tears. “You were my best friend before you became much more…then you were my everything….” she bit her lip, heart and head still battling over what to say.

“I loved being your everything,” he smiled. “And I loved when you were mine… my everything. But we have Kyle, we’re still a family.”

“But what if we didn’t… have Kyle,” she interrupted. “Would you still want any part of me? Or would you let me go?”

“What… what do you mean?”

“If there was no Kyle, just us… would this be it? Would I never see you again?”  

“Oh, Casey,” he gasped, fighting a visceral reaction to take her in his arms. “I hate to think of a world where you aren’t a part of my life. But I’ve got to admit….” He stopped, afraid to continue, but Casey wasn’t letting him off.

“Admit what?”

“The only reason I might… be done… is because I don’t know how I’ll handle the pain of having you in my life, knowing you’re no longer mine. I guess… I have to, for Kyle. But, Jesus, I don’t want to.”  

“You… you don’t want to?” her heart raced at his words.

“No! No,” he said as a single tear rolled down his cheek. “That isn’t what I meant. A voice inside his head was screaming, tell her, but another yelled just as loudly, telling him he had no right.

Their minds both wandered… a montage of their lives flashed before their eyes. Good friends who had become lovers, so in love, they could barely breathe. A life he never imagined but welcomed with open arms. Her face at the altar and his as he carried her over the threshold of their new home. All the dreams, the plans… now gone. He kissed her forehead as she cradled their newborn son. Perfection. There was no way their life would ever be anything but light. Then came the exhaustion, the demands, the misunderstandings, and the fights… real life crept in on their fairy tale and refused to let go. The compromises that left both feeling like they lost, always followed by resentment. Casey lying in a hospital bed weeping, mourning a life that never had a chance to begin. The dark, dark days that followed, when the chasm only widened. They forgot who they were, forgot the promises they had made, and instead of turning to each other, they both turned away. Tension, anger, misunderstandings… they took control.

“You don’t trust me!”

“Why should I? You’re rarely here, and when you are, you're a million miles away. I know what it felt like to be wanted by you… and I don’t feel that anymore.”

“Life changes, Casey! But that doesn’t mean I don’t want you!”

“Really? So I’m the only one you want?”

“What? What’s that supposed to mean? Yes! You are… you... you don't believe me?”

“No. I don’t.”

“Then we have a real problem! Because if you don't even trust me, I don’t know what we have left.”

The bottom fell out, and it never came back. There was no reason for her not to trust him, but he never took the time to understand why she no longer did. He wasn’t avoiding her, but she never bothered to find out what he was. And now, in two days, they were getting the only solution they thought they had. Until now….

“Tobias,” Casey whispered. “I know this may sound crazy, but I was wondering….”

A loud ring interrupted her train of thought… life’s all about timing. She wasn’t snooping, but instinctively turned its way.

Miranda.

Casey fell back into the couch, visibly defeated. Tobias turned off his ringer and threw the phone in his pocket. He tried to pick up where they had left off, but the train had already derailed.

“You’re still friends?” Casey sniveled.

“Yes. Just friends. I never said we weren’t.”

“You have Kyle for the next four days. She's not going to be around him, is she?"

Tobias’s jaw clenched. “No, she's not. But one day she likely will be. Are you telling me Kyle ever around Bryce? He’s never around your friends?”

“That’s different.”

“How? How is it different, Casey?"

“Because Miranda hates me! She was all too willing to tell you how you'd be better off without me. God only knows what she put in your head and I won’t have her do it with my son.”

“She doesn’t hate you! And she never told me to leave you! No, she’s not your biggest fan, but, in fairness, you treated her like shit."

“I treated her like shit because she didn’t respect me. I was your wife, and she didn't know her goddamn place!"

With a shake of his head, Tobias jumped to his feet. "You know what... I didn't come here for this. We've spent countless hours fighting over Miranda, and I have no desire to do it again.”

"I couldn’t agree more. Besides,” she swallowed, "we’ll be divorced in two days. Your friends, and any other relationships you may have, will no longer be any of my concern.”

Tobias shook his head as he shifted on the balls of his feet. "You were going to say something before the phone rang… is there anything... do you want to….”

“No. It was nothing,” she replied. “It's just... this is hard. It's so hard.”

“It is,” he lamented, sadly reaching out to gently stroke her face. His heart felt warm when she didn't retreat.

“Life’s changing for us, Casey…in big ways, but I will always love you. I need for you to know that.”

“I… I do,” her voice quivered. “And I’ll always love you, too.”

“I think I’ll wait for Kyle outside. I’ll… I’ll have him call you tonight before he goes to bed."

“Please do,” Casey wept, no longer trying to contain her tears. “I wish… I wish things had turned out differently, Tobias. I really do.”

“Yeah," he chuckled sadly, so do I. But what did you say the day we moved out of the house? It was a beautiful dream.”

“Mmm-hmm,” she sniffled. “It was.”

Tobias reached over and took her hand in his, grasping it so tight, he never wanted to let go.

“You know, some nights, I have these dreams.... nothing specific, but in them, you and I are together. They’re back when things were still so good, when we were magic, and couldn't have imagined it would change. When I have them, I wake up it feels like you were there with me…you know? For a brief time, I get to have that again.”

“I know,” she wiped away her tears and tried so hard to be strong. “Sometimes, I have those dreams too… and it feels the same way.... but...."

"But?"

"I miss you SO much when I have them. It’s wonderful and hurts like hell at the same time.”

“I know," he sighed. "So, how about this? From now on, when either of us has one of those dreams, we'll remind ourselves the other may be having one, too. Maybe we couldn’t make things work in the real world, but in our dreams, that's something else. We’ll always be together in our dreams… and no one can ever take that from us.”

“You’re right,” she whispered, turning her eyes toward the floor, the pain almost searing. She needed to escape... cut this short... there was no way she could take anymore. “So, Wednesday..." she smiled sadly. "You and me? The courthouse? Will you be there?"

“Our last date,” he half smiled. “How could I miss it. I'll see you there. Good night, Casey." He leaned over and kissed the top of her head as both fought back tears, then he walked out the door without looking back.

In the days that followed, they convinced themselves they were doing the right thing. It would be foolish to go turn back. They didn’t make this choice lightly, and they had reasons. It was cold feet, they surmised, they just had to be strong. But deep down, both knew these were excuses. The truth was, fear prevented them from taking that step.

In the days, and years that followed, they each learned the most painful lesson of all:

Unspoken words never go away, they live forever in our hearts, haunting the corners of our minds. The one question never answered… “What if?” That became their burden to bear.

A/N 2: I'm sorry! It's an AU! It's an AU! They do go to court on Wednesday, and I HC each asks their lawyers, privately, what would happen if they called it off. The lawyers aren't helpful, telling them the perils of calling things off, only to file again, and in their experience, most couples end up filing again. Discouraged, each of them puts on a brave face and signs the papers. They leave the courthouse together, and Tobias walks Casey to her car where he tells her, “So much, we give it so much, and with one signature, it's over." 😭😭 But it's not over, their story hasn't reached its end.

In this universe, I want to explore real life. Where problems aren't miraculously solved. Friends and family aren’t always supportive. Issues don't disappear. Where pride and stubbornness take charge and leave people broken in their path. But we will also see the resilience of the human spirit and how people can move on, even when their heart is broken.

Will they end up together in the end? Perhaps. (She said cagily.) But if they do, it's a long and winding road that will highlight how love exists in many forms. How it morphs and changes over time, and most importantly, how… when its real… it never ends.

Perma: @a-crepusculo @animesuck3r @annoyingmillenialnewbie @crazy-loca-blog @differenttyphoonwerewolf @doriopenheart @fayeswiftie @gryffindordaughterofathena @genevievemd @inlocusmads @jamespotterthefirst @jennieausten @kingliam2019 @liaromancewriter @lucy-268 @onikalover @openheartforeverinmyheart @potionsprefect @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @socalwriterbee @secretaryunpaid @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter-reblogs-asks @choicesmonthlychallenge @openheartfanfics

OH: @annfg8 @binny1985 @coffeeheartaddict2 @mysticalgalaxysstuff @ofmischiefandmedicine @peonierose @youlookappropriate

Tobias Only: @icecoffee90 @kyra75

[jerzwriter]

Tobias & Casey - Holiday Masterlist

Updated 12.16.2023

🎃 Halloween 🦃 Thanksgiving 🎄 Christmas 🍾 New Year’s 💝 Valentine’s Day 🐰 Easter 💐Mother’s Day 👔Father’s Day 🚸With kids/family🔥 18+ 📱Text Fic 🎨Includes Art

A collection of holiday fics, headcanons, art, and edits throughout the years. (Please forgive my earlier ones - please. lol)

Main Holiday Masterlist | Complete Masterlist Open Heart Masterlist | Tobias x Casey Masterlist

Tobias & Casey - Open Heart

Christmas

Christmas Through Your Eyes 🎄Trying to help Casey recover after the attack, Tobias treats Casey to a very special Christmas surprise.  What he did not expect was to find the spirit again himself.  What they both didn't expect to find? How hard it is to remain "just friends." (Book 2 Timeline - Dec 2020)

Christmas Through Your Eyes - Epilogue 🎄When the weather thwarts Casey’s plans to visit her family on her first Christmas following the attack, she is touched by her friends stepping up to make it special. Especially when Tobias passes by on his way to Kenmore. (Book 2 Timeline - Dec 2020)

Wanna Bet? 🎄Jackie and Sienna make a fun bet when Tobias drives them and Casey to pick out a Christmas tree. (Book 3 Timeline - Dec 2021)

All I Want for Christmas 🎄 The friends host a Christmas party where they weigh in on a disagreement between the happy couple.  Then at the end of the night, Casey gives Tobias a gift he wasn’t expecting to receive. (Book 3 Timeline - Dec 2021)

More below...

Baby, It's Cold Outside 🎄🔥The things Tobias will do to get his girl to stay at his place... (spoiler: she never wanted to go) (Book 3 Timeline - Dec 2021)

Christmas is Gonna Be Awkward 🎄📱Tobias and Casey’s flirting texting takes a turn when his mother gets involved. (Post Series Timeline - Dec 2022)

Just a Little Faith 🎄Casey and Tobias attend midnight mass and reflect on how they have changed as they await Christmas day. (Post Series Timeline - Dec 2022)

All Is Merry & Bright ☁️🎄🚸It's their second Christmas with little Samantha, and the Carricks are getting ready to take their Christmas card photo. As Uncle Jordan sets up the perfect shot, Grandma Vivian, Bryce, and Jensen provide the commentary. ( Post Series - Dec 2024)

For His Girls 🎄🚸The girls want to have a nice holiday party, just like those Mommy & Daddy have been attending.  So they ask Daddy to make it happen. (Post Series - Dec 2031) Christmas Templates/Headcanons: Christmas This & That - Get to know their favorite things about Christmas. Tobias & Casey's Holiday Camera Roll (Post Series Timeline - 2021) Their First Second New Year Together (Post Series Timeline - 2021) Tobias & Casey's Year End Some fun year-end stuff (2021)

Valentine's Day

A Mixed-Up Valentine's Day 💝 What happened on Casey & Tobias's last Valentine's Day before they met? See how Casey's night went... Tobias's, too... and how they nearly intersected. (Book 1 Timeline - Feb 2020)

Kind of Our First Valentine's Day 💝What do on Valentine’s Day when you’re madly in love for the first time in your life? Madly in love with your best friend who you’ve promised to stay “just friends” with. ** What do you do when you’ve fallen hopelessly for the man you promised to never fall for again? The man who is the first person you want to call when you’re happy, sad, scared, or… anything. ** What do they do? (Book 2 Timeline - Feb 2021)

No One Else (Part 1/2) 💝Misunderstandings, changes in plans, a blast from the past, and secret admirers threaten to turn Tobias & Caseye's first second Valentine's Day upside down. (Book 3 Timeline - Feb 2022)

When the Doctor is Away 💝📱 It’s their first “official” Valentine’s Day together, and Tobias is 900 miles away assisting on a case. They’ve already agreed to celebrate when he returns, but they can have some fun in advance, right? (Book 3 Timeline - Feb 2022)

Simple Pleasures 💝🎨 Tobias drives himself crazy trying to create the perfect Valentine's Day for his new wife and momma-to-be. Meanwhile, Casey forgot about it until the last moment, then worried she couldn't make it special. Luckily, they heeded good advice from friends and went on to enjoy a beautiful evening together. (Art by @/artbyainna (IG))

Sweet Chaos 💝🚸With the help of Tobias, Casey recreates a Valentine’s Day family tradition from her childhood for her three little girls. (Post Series - Feb 2030)

Halloween

Haunting (Ethan/Tobias - Hopkins Med School Years) 🎃 Tobias plans a Halloween double date with Ethan. He insists it's foolproof, but who ends up the fool in the end? (Pre-series timeline - Oct 2007)

A Quite Carrick Halloween 🎃🚸It's their first Halloween with baby Samantha, and they're wrapped in sugary sweet domestic bliss - but with these two, there's always a side of something extra. (Post Series - Oct 2023)

Pumpkin Love🎃🚸 Casey looks forward to celebrating a tradition with Tobias during a fall family weekend away. It leads to some interesting discoveries... and some creative measures as well. (Post Series - Oct 2023)

On the Spot 🎃🚸🎨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. (Post Series - Oct 2025) (Art by @/artbyainna (IG) Halloween Edits/Headcanons: Halloween This & That Learn about their Halloween likes & dislikes "Tobias Costume" Edit (for fun!) What a "Tobias Carrick" costume would look like through the years.

Thanksgiving

The Perfect Thanksgiving 🦃  Tobias and Casey spend their first Thanksgiving together as husband and wife. (Post Series - Nov 2022)

Other Holidays

First Father's Day 👔It's Tobias's first Father's Day, and he's happy to celebrate with Casey and their eight-week-old daughter. But as happy as he is, Casey senses something is amiss and helps him deal with emotions that arise. (Post Series - Father's Day 2023)

Full of Surprises 💐🚸 (Mothers' Day) Tobias and his daughters plan a lovely day full of surprises for Casey, but in the end, she has the biggest surprise of all. (Post Series - Spring 2029)

Happiest New Year🍾It was a difficult year for the Carrick family, and on New Year’s morning, Tobias & Casey welcomed the craziness, the chaos… and even Vivian. They are happy that their recently expanded family is all under one roof and starting new traditions. (Post Series - January 2030)

A Carrick Family Easter 🐰🚸A little peek at four scenes from the Carrick Family's Easter Day. (Post Series - Spring 2030)

For Ethan Ramsey x Kaycee MacClennan holiday fics, click here.

For other Open Heart holiday fics, click here.

[jerzwriter]

WIP Wipeout Wrap-up!

This was a lot of fun! I really enjoyed having writing buddies to build up and encourage each other along the way.

In the end, I didn't write as much as I had hoped to, but, I also had some challenges this weekend, and I know I wouldn't have written as much as I did if this didn't help me stay focused.

What did I accomplish?

Completed Rewrites:

Checkmate - Open Heart - Tobias Carrick x Casey

Betwixt, Bothered and Bewildered - Open Heart - Tobias x Casey

Completed New Fic:

Three Times - Open Heart - Ethan Ramsey x Kaycee

Worked on/ Still In Progress:

Open Heart - Chemical Attack - Tobias/Casey Headcanon. I'm about 40% done, and I will have a sneak peek of it in today's Sunday Six.

For me, it was a lot of fun to have others writing too. Checking in and encouraging each other was very helpful. It was also nice to meet some new people and get to know others better.

I did have some personal challenges which impeded my progress a bit, but that's life. I also think maybe two days may be overkill, I think burnout set in for many of us. But maybe we can do this for a day here and there if you like. I'd love your feedback.

Now, I'm off to the pharmacy before they close! But I will be on to reblog all your work later - and don't forget! The WWW Masterlist will be out tomorrow

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED AND ENCOURAGED US!

[jerzwriter]

Betwixt, Bothered, & Bewildered

Book: Open Heart (Book )

Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey MacTavish)

Rating: Teen

Summary: Casey’s friends push her to move forward after her break-up with Tobias, while his friends do their best to keep him from doing more damage. Each makes a discovery that makes them think twice, but will they regret it?

Warnings: Cursing, some alcohol consumption

Words: 5.3k (It's long, but a lot happens. I hope you'll think it's worth it. 😊)

A/N: This is kind of the build-up before the big storm because the series, and their stories, will be forever altered after this chapter. This was originally part of a series called “Their Start,” but I decided to break it down into individual fics that explain how they came to be, fell apart, and got back together again. Because of this, this is a little longer than average fanfic.

MOST CHARACTERS AND BOLDED TEXT BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS

Tobias x Casey Headcanon Masterlist Tobias x Casey Full Masterlist All Series/Pairings Masterlist

Perhaps Casey should have expected her morning to be… unusual… but it wasn't until she flipped on the local news to find Senator Farrugia speaking about her that she realized how uncommon it was going to be. After warding off the shrieks of her roommates, she returned to her room and emerged looking far more professional than she ever had before.

“That’s it!” Jackie exclaimed. “Work it for the cameras!”

“You know," Sienna injected. "If we're walking in with her, we should probably."

“Already on it!" Jackie announced en route to her room. "I have a pair of thrift shop Manolos that have been waiting for this occasion!”

Aurora sipped her coffee at the table, relieved she could remain in her scrubs; after all, there was no press at Kenmore.

“It's so weird; when Farrugia was my patient, he didn't talk about me. In fact, he was trying to keep his hospitalization a secret.”

“It wouldn’t have mattered,” Elijah shrugged. “Carrick would have let you have the spotlight anyway.”

Aurora’s slapped Elijah’s shoulder as she shifted her eyes to Casey.

“Elijah! Are you mentioning he of whom we shall not speak?” Sienna scolded.

“Guys, you can say his name. I'm not going to melt if you do,” Casey half-smiled.

Jackie emerged from her room looking like a million dollars. “I don’t know what I missed here, but Greene, if you expect us to be seen walking into the building with us, you better up your game.”

“Yeah! Apparently, I have a reputation to uphold,” Casey chuckled.

“You guys don't have to worry" Elijah teased. "I’ve got Manolos, too!"

_____

Ethan jumped up from his seat when Casey barreled in through the office door. He stared at her in bewilderment.

“What?” she asked.

“Your clothing is far more presentable than your usual fare. But it's a direct contrast to your unkempt hair and dazed expression. I’m trying to figure this out.”

"I... It's just... crazy out there," she frowned.

Seeing how stressed she was, Ethan quickly changed his tone.

"I'm sorry," he stated. "The media is like feral hounds today. Are you all right?”

“I’ll be fine,” she insisted, but he knew they were lies. He would have addressed it if he could, but Baz exuberantly entered the room, plopping a box of sprinkled donuts on the table.

“Some sweets to celebrate!" He beamed. "I still can’t believe you pulled it off!”

Baz was floored by Casey's lack of enthusiasm. He expected it from Ethan, but...

“What's up, Case?" He asked. "You sure don’t look like someone who is celebrating.”

“I guess I'm not."

“You're not? If I were you, I’d be having the staff roll me around the halls on a rose-covered gurney for at least a week.”

“Then I suppose we're all eternally grateful that it wasn’t you,” Ethan declared.

“Don’t misunderstand, Baz. I am glad we got the senator, but while I was at Kenmore, Mrs. Balentine coded, and little Maya Cortez had an anxiety attack... I wasn’t here for them," Casey frowned.

“So? I took care of Mrs. Balentine," Juna announced as she walked in the room. "Maya was stabilized and she's fine. You’re not the only one on staff, Casey.”

“But they're my patients, and I was on the clock! I'm one of the only people Maya trusts, but I wasn't here because I was off….”

“… doing your part to keep this department and your beloved clinic afloat. Snagging Ferrugia may have saved all of our jobs, it might keep the clinic open. Then how many Mayas will you have helped? You need to begin looking at the big picture, Casey."

“Like you care about the big picture,” Casey barked. “You probably wouldn't even care about our department if it didn't benefit you. Doctors like you and Carrick, it’s all about the next article, your next win, getting the spotlight. It’s never about the patients!”

Ethan shot Casey an approving look; he couldn’t have agreed more, but he needed to reel her in for the benefit of the team.

“Casey, I think you need to….”

“It’s fine,” June interrupted, waving Ethan off dismissively. “We have a difference of opinion. But let me be clear, I am not ashamed of looking out for myself. Noble acts only get you so far, sometimes they even backfire. Think of all the patients who will not get care if the clinic closes. You’re a big girl now, Casey… it's time you understand the big picture."

Casey pursed her lips together, she knew she should let it go, but before she knew it, she heard herself speaking.

“June, I'd love to know what game you and Carrick are playing. Did he tell you to tell me about Farrugia? Were you both using me for some scheme? I don’t appreciate being toyed with and used!”

The satisfied smirk that crept onto June’s lips confirmed what Casey already knew... should have bit her tongue.

“Tobias doesn't tell me to do anything," she sneered. "Even if he did, he wouldn't make such a... rookie mistake. He's a grown-up who knows we're all out for number one in the end. But at least this explains those unusual texts I received from him last night. It all makes sense now. So, thank you for providing some clarity, Dr. MacTavish."

“OK,” Ethan blurted. “I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but we’re bringing this back to work now."

“Fine with me!” June grinned smugly as she grabbed a folder and headed toward the door. “I have a consult anyway.”

“Yeah,” Baz stated nervously. “I do too.”

When they were both gone, Ethan turned to Casey.

“I know, I know…” she said. "Please don't lecture me! I feel stupid enough."

“I'm not lecturing, but can I offer you some advice?"

“Do I have a choice?”

“No,” he chortled. “There are all kinds of doctors, Casey. You and I aren’t cut from the same cloth as Hirata or Carrick, and that's a good thing as far as I’m concerned. But don’t be so hard on yourself. June isn’t all wrong. Getting Farrugia could give us the chance to help so many others. I’m sure neither of us plans on engineering heists regularly, but for now, just take the win.”

“Fine."

Casey bumped her shoulder against Ethan's, playfully sulking like a scolded child, and he couldn't help but laugh.

“Now, why don’t you tell me what’s going on between you and June?”

“The bulk of it is personal, and... I'd really rather not discuss it."

“That's fine. But if it is personal, it needs to stay out of the hospital. We have to work as a team while we’re here.”

“Trust me, I know all about the dangers of personal and professional worlds colliding.”

“But why do you think Carrick would tell her about Farrugia? Why would he want to dangle that fruit?”

“I don’t know... he couldn’t help bragging? Or….”

“Or?”

“Or maybe he thought if I stole Farruggia, we'd be even after he stole Stephanie. Then maybe…” she stared off momentarily until the sound of Ethan clearing his throat brought her back. "I don't know," she continued. "But June says it wasn’t him... what does it matter anyway? I have patients to care for, and that's what I should be doing now, don't you agree?"

"I do," he smiled. "Get to it, MacTavish."

_____

(Some information on original characters can be found here.)

Kerry was multi-tasking when her phone rang. “Pain in the Ass” appeared at the top of her screen, accompanied by a high school photo of Tobias.

“What did you do now?” She answered.

In Boston, Tobias was wearing the carpet out as he paced in his bedroom. He told her about what happened last night and how it led to the horrific hangover he was nursing today.

“Damn!” Kerry gushed. “She stole Farrugia? That's badass! I need to meet her!"

"Uhm, she isn't even talking to me, Kerry."

"Irrelevant! I like her, I know we'll be friends! Who needs you?"

“You know I don't want to interrupt the expansion of your social circle, but I'm calling because I'm a little bit of a mess... so can we focus?"

“Sorry, my bad.”

“What did I do wrong, Kerry?”

“You didn’t tell her.”

“But I did! I told her June and I were together, but it was in the past.”

“Yeah, but you didn't clarify that the past meant up until your first date with Casey. They work together, T. You should have offered full disclosure."

“I know, but I was afraid she would have cut me off.”

“And that would have been her prerogative, but at least you would have done the right thing.”

“So, you’re saying I did the wrong thing?”

“Not exactly,” Kerry sighed. “It’s complicated. But if June was being so persistent with you, why didn’t you just block her number?”

“Because hindsight is 20/20! This is why I avoided all this relationship crap. It's so much... work! And I already have a job!"

“Aww, poor baby. So, if it's so draining, get off the phone with me. Go pick up some insipid eye candy at a bar and do your usual. Back to business... right?"

"You know, that was my first instinct... it really was. But..."

"But?"

"I don't want anyone else. I just want to make things right with Casey. I want her. What the fuck is wrong with me, Ker? This is all so \… unnatural.”

“Welcome to understanding what it's like to be in love, Tobias. It only took you 36 years."

“Hey! I never said, love!" He insisted.

“Well, it sounds like more than like. But, T, I have to be honest... you may have already blown it with her."

“Thanks for the encouragement, sis.”

“You know better than to come to me if you don't want the truth. My best advice to you? Just leave her alone for now. If there's going to be any chance, you need to give her space. And you need to stop fixating. Find a healthy form of distraction, and that doesn't mean that nurse you were sleeping with.”

“I’m not calling you anymore," he grumbled.

“Yes, you are," Kerry smiled. "But T... try not to do anything stupid before we talk again, OK?"

“What's the likelihood of that happening?” He chuckled.

"Slim to none, but try!"

_____

Sienna was finishing off the dishes while Jackie wiped down the kitchen table.

“Want to watch a movie?” Jackie asked.

Sienna scrunched her nose. “I’m not in the mood. Why don’t we play Taboo?”

“Because we'd need a fourth player,” Aurora injected, "and Elijah will be too tired when he gets home.”

“So, ask Casey?” Jackie answered.

Sienna and Aurora both shot her a knowing look.

“Don’t tell me she’s holed up in her room again?” Jackie groused.

“She is,” Sienna frowned.

“This is absurd,” Jackie replied. “Is this all because of Aurora’s slimy boss?”

Sienna shrugged. “She really liked him, and she's her. It left her doubting a lot... most of all herself."

“For what it’s worth, I think she regrets swiping Farrugia, too,” Jackie added. “She feels like she stooped to his level, and she's questioning what kind of doctor she is."

"Not to mention that Farrugia is the patient from hell," Sienna agreed. "from hell. "He’s demanding, thinks he is her only patient, and has his nose in everything.”

Aurora shook her head.

“The senator was an asshole at Kenmore, too. Honestly, I wasn’t sad to see him go. But for what it's worth, Tobias has been miserable, too. He's gone from being the fun attending everyone loved to a grumpy ass we all avoid.”

“Lucky you!” Sienna chuckled. “You deal with Casey at home and him at work.”

“I am doing my best to avoid them both,” Aurora grinned. “But don’t worry, they'll be OK in time.”

“Yeah, and that time starts now,” Jackie snapped. “You may have no choice but to tolerate his bullshit at work. But this is home, and it ends today.”

“Wait!” Sienna hollered after Jackie as she stomped down the hall. “What are you doing? Come back here!”

But Jackie was already in Casey’s room.

“That’s it!” she yelled, yanking the covers off of Casey. “You’ve been moping around long enough! We’re all sick of it, and we’re doing something about it.”

“Jackie! We did not agree to this approach!” Sienna yelled.

“You don’t get to decide what I need, Jackie,” Casey balked. “I know what I need, and right now, it's this bed and….”

“A shower,” Aurora inserted. “You could really use a shower.”

“Yes!” Jackie hollered. “That’s what you need! Go take one! NOW! And use extra soap! When you’re done, we’re dressing you up.”

“Dressing me up? I’m not going anywhere.”

“You don’t have to,” Jackie smirked. “We’re hooking you up like the badass hottie you are, and then you’re making a Tinder profile. And don’t even try to say no.”

“Jackie, I am not creating a Tinder profile!”

“You know,” Sienna hummed, “that's not the worst idea.”

“Are you serious, Si?” Casey rebuffed.

“I am! Come on, Casey! It's just for fun! What you do with it is up to you, but it would be so much fun making one. What do you say?”

“I say you must have been dropped on your head as a child if you think that sounds like fun!”

“Come on, please,” Sienna pleaded. “It’ll give us some much-needed girl time.”

Casey was visibly aggravated, but they already saw signs of surrender. After all, she knew it would take more energy to argue with her friends than thank to give in. Mumbling curses under her breath, she headed to the shower.

_____

“OK, you HAVE to wear that hot little black dress!” Jackie exclaimed.

Casey’s lips formed a bittersweet smile as she recalled wearing it when she told Tobias she was done.

“No. It'll look like I’m trying too hard.”

“Why don’t we see if there are some pictures on your phone that you like," Sienna suggested. "Who says we have to use pictures taken tonight?”

“That’s a good idea,” Aurora agreed. “I always loved that one of you from the street fair in Cambridge last summer.”

“Oh, the one where I’m drinking out of a coconut shell! Let's use that!”

Her friends exchanged smiles as they watched the light begin to return in Casey's eyes.

“Ooooh! I like this one,” Sienna pointed.

“Let me see!” Casey grabbed the phone and her smile dropped. It was a great shot. She had the brightest smile... she was glowing.

“This picture…” she stammered. “Tobias took it when we were at that festival... it was such a nice day...."

Sienna shrugged defensively when Jackie shot her a look. Casey’s emotions were on another roller coaster ride she never asked to take. Wistfulness, longing, followed by anger, then, finally, regret rolled over her. She couldn’t use that photo. It wouldn’t be right... then she changed her mind on a dime.

“Screw it!” she shouted. “I look fucking amazing in that picture! Use it!”

“OK,” Sienna grinned. “But let’s take one new one tonight. What do you want to wear?”

“I want to wear this,” she said, looking down at her white camisole and denim shorts.

“That?” Jackie questioned.

"Yes. I want. I want people to know the real me. Besides, I can make this an adorable photo!”

She jumped onto her bed and rolled onto her stomach.

“Here, like this!”

“That’s perfect,” Sienna agreed.

“Well, we have our three photos," Aurora smiled. "Let's make a profile!"

And just like that, Casey was back on the market.

The following two weeks were exhausting. Casey’s workload was insane, and Farrugia became more difficult by the day. Navigating both him and his obnoxious assistant, Travis, was practically a full-time job in itself. Especially since the team was coming up empty. Every idea hit a dead end, and the senator was losing patience.

While she’d never admit to it, her Tinder profile provided a much-needed ego boost at times. The right swipes came in by the dozen. While she still had no interest in dating, it was still nice to know so many found her appealing during a time when she felt anything but. At the end of each day, she’d look through the responses just for laughs. Then, one night, two men caught her eye. She decided to swipe right herself, and she started to chat with both. By the end of the week, she had two dates lined up.

_____

Tobias was trying to distract himself, but his mind kept wandering back to Casey no matter how hard he tried. Kerry and Sasha began to encourage him to get out there again; it hurt to see him so unlike himself. But he just didn't want to... not yet... he was confident if he gave it just a little more time, he'd get a second chance.

One morning, he found himself in a decent mood, so he decided to mend some fences with the residents he had been frightening as of late. In the past, when Dr. Carrick entered the resident's break room, he was met with enthusiasm. He was funny, always had great stories to tell, and at least half the residents had crushes on him. But that Dr. Carrick seemed to be long gone, so they weren’t sure how to react as he approached their table. Luckily, his bright smile put them at ease.

Conversation flowed as easily. Coffee filled their cups, and laughter filled the room. Even Tobias felt the light beginning to creep in through the cracks, and it felt good.

“Dr. Carrick, aren't you on Kenmore’s bowling league?" Anna, a pretty red-headed resident, asked.

“As if he’d be on the bowling team,” Craig, a handsome, burly resident, scoffed. “He’s far too cool for that!”

“Actually, I do bowl,” Tobias corrected. “But I haven’t been on the hospital’s league in years.”

“Well, maybe you should consider joining. I am,” Anna winked.

Craig and his buddy Matt rolled their eyes as Anna shot them a dirty look. Matt caught it, but Craig didn't; his face had been glued to his phone the entire time.

“Do you ever put your phone down?" Tobias admonished. "What the hell are you so obsessed with, anyway? Is texting your girlfriend that interesting?”

“He wishes,” Matt mocked. “Trying to find a girlfriend is more like it. The man swipes right so much he’s going to have an arthritic thumb.”

“I’m just waiting for the right one,” Craig shot back. “Isn’t that how it works, Dr. C?”

“Hey! I’m almost 37 and single, much to my mother’s chagrin. I might not be the best person to ask for advice on this front.”

“Oh!” Craig exclaimed.

“Let me guess,” Matt sneered. “You found the latest love of your life.”

“Oh, this one is not like the rest!” Craig all but panted. “Seriously, call off the dogs! I have found the future mother of my children!”

“You've seen one photo," Anna chided. "So clearly, she’s the love of your life."

“Three photos,” Craig corrected snidely. “And are you telling me you don’t believe in love at first sight? Because I do.”

“Can love at first sight be scientifically proven, Dr. Carrick,” Anna asked with doe eyes.

Tobias remained silent as his mind wandered to the first time he saw Casey at the deli. Was it love? He wasn't sure... but he felt... something.

“Not everything is provable by science, Anna. So if the man says he’s in love," he pat Craig's back, "we have to take him at his word.”

“See!” Craig smiled. “Wait! Holy shit! She’s a doctor, too! Right here in Boston. Where has this angel been hiding the past two years?”

“From you….” Matt smirked.

“Well, she can hide no more. I am so swiping right.”

“Give me that phone,” Tobias chuckled, yanking Craig’s phone from his hand. “Let me see this woman that has you all….”

The mood of the room changed instantly when Tobias's words stopped cold. His eyes went wide, his jaw nearly hit the floor, and his nostrils began to flare in an unnatural way. The residents watched in fear as their one-time favorite attending morphed from Bruce Banner into the Hulk before their eyes. Then he set his gaze on Craig, and his friends were pretty sure that if looks could kill, they would be calling Craig's next of kin that night.

“Did you swipe right?” Tobias angrily asked. “Did you?”

“Uhh, no… not yet. I was about to….”

“Well, you’re not," he snapped. "Do you hear me? You’re not. Not today, not ever! You’re not even going to think about it. You’re not going to dream about it. In fact, why don’t you just delete the app from your phone? That’s probably the safest option for everyone.”

“Uhm. OK," Craig replied nervously. "Is she your girlfriend or something?”

Anna tossed her head back with a laugh. “Dr. Carrick doesn’t do girlfriends, Craig! We all know that."

But the smile ran from her face when his cold eyes moved to her.

“Is something funny?” He asked.

“No... not in the least,” she muttered.

“Good. Now, breakfast has lasted long enough. Everyone... get back to work!”

Anna smacked Craig's shoulder the second Tobias stepped out of the room.

“Nice going! Now we’ve got Carrick’s evil twin to deal with for the rest of the day.”

“Oh, by the look on his face,” Matt added, “It’s going to be a lot longer than a day.”

_____

Tobias was no stranger to Tinder. But the app hadn't graced his phone since he met... yeah. But he was putting it back on tonight, and he was doing it with a vengeance.

“You need to rethink this,” Kerry muttered. "Just sleep on it."

“I’m with Kerry,” Sasha concurred on the three-way call. “You’re being impulsive and, when you’re impulsive….”

“She’s on Tinder with a photo I took of her! The writing is on the wall! She’s done. So I guess I’m done too. Besides, weren’t you two telling me to get out there again? Well, I’m getting out there again!”

“Yeah,” Sasha said, “but not like this. Just... sleep on it.”

“Nope! I’ve got my photos picked and I’m ready to roll.”

“Oh, Jesus,” Kerry sighed.

“One of me in my labcoat….”

“Are you freaking kidding me? T! That’s pathetic. You know you can put “Doctor” in your bio, right?” Sasha scolded.

“I have one from when I was in Cancun. I look damn good if I must say so myself.”

“You must,” Kerry said, taking a sip of wine. "Cause I sure as hell am not."

“This is going to end badly,” Sasha lamented.

“And the last one… hah! Casey took this one. It's perfect! I think I’m good to go.”

“I think you’re an asshole here,” Kerry opposed.

“Noted. But I'm still doing it. Good night, ladies. Thanks for your help.”

“Wait, I had no part in this!” Kerry shouted.

“T,” Sasha pleaded. “You know what happens when you don’t listen….”

Click.

“…to us.”

And just like that, Tobias was back on the market.

Casey went on dates with both contenders. Ryder, the adorable and sweet pediatrician from Boston Children’s Hospital, would be almost perfect... at another time. But he was looking for a wife, and Casey was just trying to find her footing.

But then there was Raj. Drop-dead gorgeous with a smile that made her weak at the knees. He was funny and put her at ease. Their conversation just flowed as they walked along the Charles River. They both came from lower-middle-income backgrounds and had loving parents who encouraged them to follow their dreams. He put himself through college and dental school and now ran a successful private practice in Brookline.

He was open to things becoming more serious if they moved that way, but like Casey, he wanted to take it slow. But after a week of talking and a delightful first date, he liked where it was going. When he dropped her off, he asked if he could see her again after work tomorrow, and she agreed. He kissed her forehead before she turned and went into her apartment, where Sienna pounced on her as soon as she walked in the door.

“Well? Well?”

“Do I get even a minute here, Si?”

“Nope. You don’t. Spill!”

“It was great,” Casey smiled. “He’s charming, witty, easy to talk to… and gorgeous.”

“Are we seeing him again?”

“Tomorrow.”

Sienna squealed. “I’m so excited!”

Casey smiled, but her best friend could see something lurking under the surface.

“Aren’t you excited?” Sienna asked.

“I am. Raj is really great, and I want to get to know him more, but….”

“But?”

Casey let out a sigh. “He kissed my forehead before I came inside... and suddenly, I was back on my first date with Tobias. He kissed my forehead, too... and when he did, my whole body shuddered. That didn't happen now. And if I’m still feeling like this, then maybe I shouldn’t be dating yet, Si.”

“Do you want Tobias back, Casey? Because if you do, I’m sure he’d be….”

“No! We’re done. I don’t even like him after what he did to me."

"But you never gave him a chance to explain," Sienna pointed out.

"I don't think he deserves it. I don't want him, Si, but I just can't...."

“Forget him?”

“Yeah,” Casey sighed. “I just can’t forget him.”

"If I were you, I'd give Raj a chance. Go on one more date... baby steps. In time, you'll get past Tobias."

"Well, I am seeing him after work tomorrow."

"Good!" Sienna smiled. "And I'm helping you pick out an outfit!"

_____

Tobias checked his phone constantly... the right swipes were non-stop. It seemed like all of Boston wanted a shot at him, and while he thought this would excite him, it didn’t. Deep down, he knew he had created a new profile for one reason and one reason alone...it was insane, and he knew it. Even if she saw it, why would she contact him? She could call if she wanted to, and it was clear she didn't.

While Casey had been on her date with Raj, Tobias returned to his townhome after a particularly difficult day at work. He showered and sat on the couch with a beer in his hand. One beer became two, and before he knew it, a six-pack was gone. He opened Tinder and went directly to Casey's profile, staring at her for what felt like an eternity. His head told him to put the phone down, but his heart was fighting it tooth and nail. Tired of the internal struggle raging within him, he finally gave in.

“Fuck it!” he said aloud as he quickly swiped right.

It's amazing how fast a nice buzz can disappear. It had been pleasantly taking the edge off just a brief time before, but now, with just one swipe of his thumb, reality seized him, and he was stone-cold sober. He fell back in bed, shaking his head as he chuckled sardonically.

“I may as well go to bed,” he said out loud. “No use waiting up to see how long it takes Casey to block me.”

_____

Casey was eating breakfast in the cafeteria the next day when Raj’s text came in.

I had a wonderful time, and I can’t wait to see you again.

She smiled softly and began to reply, accidentally opening a notification that came in from Tinder as she typed. The app opened, and curiosity got the better of her. She looked at the first photo and swiped left. Second, same thing. Then she saw the third, and her breath hitched. A picture she had taken of Tobias stared back at her, and she was transfixed. She remembered that day; his eyes felt like they were piercing her very soul, and though it was only a photo, they were having the same effect now.

What is it about this man?

Why do I care?

But, I did sort of even things out…. she began to reason.

...and Sienna is right, I never gave him a chance to explain things about June… not really….

But what the hell is he doing on Tinder? Oh, wait, I’m on Tinder too….

It felt like the oxygen was escaping the room as she attempted to stop her head from spinning and her heart from racing.

What am I doing?

She knew she should put the phone away. She knew she should forget about him. This was all a mistake… but she swiped right anyway, and then she exhaled. She smiled as a feeling of satisfied relief enveloped her for exactly one moment before it was replaced by a sense of impending doom.

What were you thinking?

He finally left you alone!

I must be able to undo this… how do you undo this… fuck! I can’t undo it!

As if his ego wasn't big enough already!

He’s going to think I’m pathetic. He’ll probably laugh at me…

He should laugh at me….

With angry tears in her eyes, she threw the phone into her pocket, cursing her poor judgment. With her stomach churning, eating breakfast was now out of the question. She tossed her paper bag into the trash can and she was only certain of one thing. When she got home, she was deleting that damn app.

_____

A few curses rolled off Tobias’s lips as he hit snooze on his phone for the third time. This time, he had to get up. His eyes squinted shut when he lifted his head from the pillow. It wasn’t quite a hangover, but it was a definitive reminder that he was not twenty-five anymore. But the damage was done, and today, he'd have to pay the price. He slipped his feet into the slippers beside his bed, and he stretched his arms over his head as he shuffled to the bathroom. That’s when he felt the bricks began to fall.

“Oh, fuck!” he yelled as his mind began to recall... it wasn’t a dream. He did it.

This is how I give her space….

I am going to look like a freaking stalker….

He grabbed his phone and opened Tinder, just to confirm that Casey had blocked him. Instead, he found something very different.

“What the….”

His eyebrows knit together as he tapped furiously on his phone, assuming he must have done something wrong. After all, there was no way, right? She wouldn’t… was she giving him another chance?

You and Casey have liked each other.

Maybe she did. Without thought, he snapped a screenshot, almost afraid it would disappear. Then, with a stupid grin, he slumped back into bed. This was more than he hoped for, perhaps, more than he deserved, but he promised himself right then and there... if she gave him another shot, there was no way he was blowing it. If she was doing this... he would see to it that they worked.

With his spirits rising, he stepped into the shower with enthusiasm that hadn't existed just moments before. Suddenly, he knew... it was going to be a great day.

_____

Back at Edenbrook:

“Casey!” Danny yelled, “I was just looking for you! I have the results from that paint sample you tested. It was marked urgent.”

“Oh! Thank you, Danny,” she said, pulling the results from his hands. “Negative! There wasn’t any lead in Senator Farrugia’s house? How can that be?”

She retreated to the empty diagnostics office and took a seat at the computer, typing the senator’s name into a search engine. Page after page of items tracking his every move appeared, but nothing jumped out. As the articles got older, the headlines began to refer to him as ‘Mayor Ed.” One link caught her eye…

Three dead in lead poisoning scandal… aging lead pipes have been poisoning the water supply… three deaths, including thirteen-year-old Jonathan Perry….

“Oh my god, That’s Travis’s last name! He’s from the senator's hometown, and….”

Casey jumped to her feet and ran out of the office. Security Officer Gunderson stood outside of the senator’s room, chatting idly with Rafael.

“Bobby! Call the police, now!”

“Why? What’s going on?”

“The senator’s aid, Travis… I think he’s been poisoning him.”

_____

Tobias was fidgeting uncomfortably at his desk. Nearly three hours had passed since he sent Casey a message... and it had been radio silence ever since. The fact that he had checked his phone dozens of times didn’t stop him from checking once more.

Nothing.

The hope that had brightened his world just hours before was slowly diminishing. Of course, she wasn’t giving him another chance, and he felt like a fool for ever believing she would.

“So much for getting your hopes up, Carrick,” he sighed.

And like that, it was clear, this was not going to be a great day.

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[jerzwriter]

Checkmate

Book: Open Heart (Post Series)

Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey MacTavish)

Rating: Teen+

Category: Angsty

Summary: After Tobias steals Casey’s patient, she looks to settle the score. But will that level the playing field to give them another chance? Or will new discoveries cement them in the past?

Warnings: Cursing, some verbal fighting.

Words: 4000

A/N: I’m really eager to get their foundation settled because I’m writing so much about their future, and I want to fill in the blanks about how they got there. This was originally part of a series called “Their Start,” but I decided to break it down into individual fics that explain how they came to be, fell apart, and got back together again. Because of this, this is a little longer than an average fanfic.

A/N 2: Participating in @choicesmonthlychallenge Day 18 - Heist

CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS

Tobias x Casey Headcanon Masterlist Tobias x Casey Full Masterlist All Series/Pairings Masterlist

She was running earlier than usual. While that used to be an oddity, Casey was now making a deliberate effort to take better care of herself, and getting up earlier was part of that plan. But given the early hour, she was surprised to see the lights already on in the diagnostic team’s office. Ethan was usually there at the crack of dawn, but he had an exceptionally late night and texted the team he'd be late and that they should begin the day without him. So her curiosity was piqued.

When she entered the office, she found June sitting behind Ethan’s desk. The other doctor was so deeply immersed in her work that she only looked up when Casey, graceful as ever, tripped, nearly spilling her coffee all over.

“Quick save,” June smirked.

“Thank goodness!” Casey exclaimed. “I spent too much time putting this outfit together to be forced to head to the locker room and trade it in for scrubs.”

“It is lovely,” June replied, eyeing the form-fitting black pencil skirt and alluring cerulean silk blouse that peeked out from under her lab coat. “Who are we trying to impress?”

Casey shot June a disbelieving look.

“June, you’re an enlightened woman. You know we dress to make ourselves feel good. I’m not attempting to impress anyone.”

“True,” June smirked, swirling out of the chair to join Casey at the conference table, “but every now and again, it’s fun to make some fool out of their mind crazy.”

“Hmm,” Casey answered, not terribly interested in the conversation, “well, I'm just doing it for me.”

They continued to work quietly until Casey groaned in disgust. June’s eyes lifted, and she silently questioned the disruption. Casey tossed a newly arrived journal she was toward June in response.

“Ah,” June sighed, “Stephanie’s case made the cover! It is getting a lot of attention… which isn't surprising.”

“Yeah. At least she seems to be progressing well. In the end, that’s all that matters.”

“I guess,” June answered dismissively. “Dr. Carrick is a fairly good doctor, but I, for one, believe she would have been far better off at Edenbrook.”

“Do you really think it would have been better for her? Or do you think it would have been better for us?”

“The two don’t have to be mutually exclusive, Casey. You still have a lot to learn."

Her words pulled her back to her words with Tobias, "You're still a resident... this is how things are done." She was tired of being treated like a naive fool because she had integrity, but an argument with June right now wouldn't benefit anyone. Forcing a smile, she returned to her work, but June had other plans.

“You know, it's unfortunate that you had to learn about the game in such a... difficult way."

"Excuse me?"

"Dr. Carrick. Stealing Stephanie, that must have been hard given your... connection."

Casey looked up, expecting to see a smug expression on June's face, but it was business as usual for her.

"I have no connection with Dr. Carrick, June. And I'd rather end this conversation."

"Casey, it's OK. Tobias is a charming man, that's just one of his good qualities," she looked at Casey with a smirk and raised brow. "But we both know that, don't we."

Casey could feel her temperature rising. Some knew better than others and in this room that someone wasn't her. The average person would have been fooled by Casey's cool demeanor, but June wasn't the average person. She had picked up on every tick Casey offered, and now she was ready to set her agenda in motion.

"I heard something from a little birdie I know over at Mass Kenmore. Something that might let us turn the tables on them for stealing our patient.” A satisfied smirk was on June's lips when Casey lifted her head from her reading, curiosity piqued. “After all, sometimes a little revenge can do wonders to soothe the soul.”

“Oh, what news did this little birdie share?”

“Ed Farrugia, the Massachusetts senator, was admitted to Mass Kenmore yesterday with a mystery illness.”

“Farrugia? Isn’t he the one everyone expects to throw his hat in for president in the next election?”

“The very same. In fact, my source informs me that Tobias is treating him personally.”

“Oh, is he now? I’m sure he’s feeling pretty smug about that.”

“Exactly. Wrenching his prize patient away from him would certainly be one way to topple his ego.”

“It sure would. So, would you be in with me if I decide to pursue this?”

“What do you have in mind, Casey?”

“A covert mission, of sorts. We should pay Sen. Farrugia a visit. I know about his background, and I think we could convince him that Edenbrook would be much better suited for his needs, healthcare, and political. Interested?”

“I’d love to. But I’m swamped with patients today; there’s no way I can get away. But you should check in with Ethan. He has privileges at Kenmore. He could get you in there.”

“Oh, sure,” Casey laughed. “Ethan embarking on something like this. Not very likely, June, and you know it."

"I know no such thing," she deadpanned. "You're capable of far more than you give yourself credit for, Casey. Especially with Ethan. He's always had a soft spot for you."

"He doesn't have a...."

June silenced her with one look.

"Do you know how many years I've been at Edenbrook? I've seen Dr. Stoneface don a polyester uniform to take on Mass Kenmore exactly once. I wonder who asked him?"

"Well, that had more to do with exacting revenge against Tobias than it did me."

"And what would you be asking him to do now," June winked. "I have full faith in you, Dr. MacTavish."

_____

Two hours later:

Casey’s was trying not to stand out in the oversized Mass Kenmore lab coat Ethan had given her. It was his spare, so it was huge on her. She was hoping that it wouldn’t draw attention in their direction. Then again, Ethan’s constant muttering would probably do that all on his own.

“I don’t know how I let you talk me into this.”

“Well, I did, so… look more natural!”

“Says the woman who has readjusted that coat sleeve for the hundredth time.”

Casey’s heart raced as they reached the reception desk, but she watched Ethan work with finesse, getting them both past security with ease.

“Damn, I’m impressed,” she grinned as they made their way to the elevator.

“As well you should be.”

“Ah, and your ego is still intact, I see. Thank God, I was worried. Now let’s see if your winning streak continues. Do you have any idea where Mass Kenmore would keep a senator?”

“Well, they have a VIP wing….”

“You’re kidding me?”

“I am not. There’s more than one reason I despise this place.”

“That gives us an in, Ethan! Farrugia is progressive. He’s for the people and wants to be seen as everyone’s representative. Edenbrook’s principles are far more in line with his, and it would be a much better look to be there with a presidential bid on the table.”

“Oh, and here I was foolishly thinking we would lure him based on our medical expertise and quality of care. I mean, who wouldn’t want us above Carri….” Remembering Casey was still hurt over what had happened, he cut himself short.

“Carrick. You can say it, Ethan. It’s OK.”

“I didn’t mean to….”

“I know,” Casey smiled as the elevator doors opened, “But look, what happened, happened. Maybe Tobias was right, maybe this is just the way the game is played."

"Tell me you're not serious," he grumbled.

"Not really," she sighed. "I hate and I hate that he did it to me, but look at me and what I'm doing now."

"It's not too late to turn around?" Ethan asked.

Casey looked to the ceiling, weighing her options she returned her gaze to Ethan with a look of determination.

"We came here for a reason. Let’s do what we’re here to do and leave. I don't want to be here a second longer than we have to be. So, how do we do this?” Casey asked.

“Nice, MacTavish. You get me into this mess, and now you need me to bail you out.”

“Could you maybe not right now?”

“I’m just joking,” he smiled. “Stay here and look useful. I’m going to sweet talk that nurse. She’s had a crush on me for years. It should be easy.”

“Ah, use the good looks and charm, Dr. Ramsey.”

“Whatever it takes.”

Moments later, Ethan returned with a shit-eating grin on his face and a room number on his lips.

“734.”

“Have I ever told you that you’re brilliant!” Casey gushed.

“Yes, but I don’t tire of hearing it.”

Casey smiled with a roll of her eyes. “Let’s just do this.”

They were strolling down the corridor with determination in their steps when suddenly….

“Ethan?”

Casey’s heart stopped at the sound of that familiar voice behind her. Ethan’s voice dropped to a whisper.

“He only saw me at this point. Keep going. I’ll keep him busy.”

Ethan turned to face Tobias with a look of disgust. Casey couldn't help but hear their barreling voices as she hastily tried to get away.

“Come to see what a real hospital looks like, Ramsey?”

“Is it really a hospital if there are no qualified doctors working there?”

“Jealousy doesn’t look good on you, Ethan… Oh, who am I kidding? It definitely does.”

Casey shook her head. Someday she’d have to learn what the real deal was between those two and address why she was so attracted to egomaniacs, but today wasn't that day. She was angry with herself as she roamed through the halls because, despite everything, Tobias’s voice still had an impact on her. In recent days her head had been spinning with ways to rationalize his behavior, but luckily common sense always prevailed. And right now, common sense told her to focus. After all, she had a patient to poach, and even if she still had a small soft spot for Tobias, the thought of wiping that smug grin off of his face brought her closer to climaxing than he ever got the chance to provide.

734.

She hadn’t anticipated doing this on her own, but she was determined. She just wished she didn't feel like a child playing dress up in the shifting lab coat, but she wasn't letting that stop her. Adjusting it one last time and smoothing the front of her skirt, she took a deep breath. "It's showtime."

Sen. Farrugia and his aide’s eyes were on Casey the moment the door opened. Both perplexed, having never seen her before.

“Do you have the latest results, doctor?” Farrugia asked, “You don’t look familiar. Has Dr. Carrick added you to my team?”

Casey’s eyes darted back and forth between the two men. She had to think quickly.

“Senator, my name is Casey MacTavish, and I’m not your doctor. I don’t even work here. I’m a resident at Edenbrook Hospital.”

“I beg your pardon?” the Senator demanded.

His aide already had his phone in hand.

“I’m calling security.”

“No!” Casey exclaimed, “Please, just hear me out, Senator. I’m here to pitch our services to you.”

Realizing she was not a threat and impressed with her gumption, Farrugia waved his hand at his aide.

“Travis put down the phone. I’m officially intrigued. Let’s hear Dr. MacTavish out.”

“Yes, Senator.”

“Go on, Doctor. Tell me about Edenbrook.”

“I believe you’ll find we are much more closely aligned with your political values. For example, you’re on a floor solely for VIP patients right now. Your whole platform is about being one of the people, and Edenbrook exemplifies that ideal.”

“Continue....”

“In addition to treating each patient equally, we run a community clinic that’s in danger of closing due to budget cutbacks. If you were treated with us, imagine what you could do for our clinic and your image.”

“It’s important for me to walk the walk, Dr. MacTavish. But my case is stumping every doctor I meet. So there is more at stake here.”

“Then you’re definitely in the wrong place. As our state senator, you already know Edenbrook is one of the best hospitals in the nation. But its diagnostic team is among the best in the world. Sure, Dr. Carrick has an excellent reputation… as a physician. But Dr. Ramsey literally wrote the book on modern diagnostic care. I am merely a junior fellow on the team, but I cracked Dr. Banerji's case when no one else could."

The senator's eyes widened. "That was you?"

"Yes. And I promise to work relentlessly to get to the bottom of what ails you, and I know our entire team would do the same. I think it deserves your consideration.”

The senator rubbed his beard thoughtfully before looking back at her with a twinkle in his eye.

"A solid pitch. In fact…go back to Edenbrook and prepare me a room. I’ll be along as soon as I can get myself discharged.”

Casey was beaming with satisfaction. “You won’t be disappointed, Senator.”

As Casey and Travis discussed the senator’s transfer logistics, she was becoming increasingly distracted by the incessant pinging of a cell phone.

“I’m sorry, Travis. Could you possibly silence your phone?”

“I wish. It’s not mine,” he said, motioning toward the offending device. “His doctor left that damn thing behind, and its’ been going off non-stop.”

“Dr. Carrick?” she asked with a raised brow.

“Yeah, I’m surprised he hasn’t been back for it already. Aren't we supposed to have those things glued to our hips these days?”

"Yeah," Casey chuckled, certain Ethan showing up at his hospital had Tobias completely off his game. "But who knows what distractions came his way. In any case, I'm turning his ringer off."

She lifted the phone into her hand, lingering for a moment to read the notifications that kept coming in.

What the hell… June!

…Looks like this evening’s plans are going to be…

…Trust me. I’ve got everything covered…

…Plus, I’ve been dying to show you something…

Casey felt her heart sink to her stomach, and her skin went cold. He told her he and June had a thing… in the past… but… now...

Are they working together? Is he sleeping with her while begging for another chance with me? Was he with her this whole time? Am I a pawn in their game?

Fury and rage were building inside her as her mind spun out of control.

“Dr. MacTavish? Dr. MacTavish, is everything OK?”

Luckily the sound of Travis's voice brought her back to the present, and she was more determined than ever to exact her revenge on Tobias. She'd deal with June later.

“Oh, yes, Travis. Everything is fine. I’m going to head back to Edenbrook and make sure everything is just perfect for the Senator when he arrives.” She turned to Farrugia with a warm smile, “I promise you, you won’t regret it.”

Casey collapsed against the door as soon as she exited the room. Mission accomplished, and the victory felt far more delicious than she had anticipated. She didn’t know what game Tobias & June were playing, but she was going to find out. She pulled out her phone and texted Ethan.

… Mission accomplished! Meet me out front. I can’t wait to get out of this cesspool…

… Excellent! Now you’re talking my language. I’m on my way...

Casey walked quickly, her high heels clanking against the marble floor in the lobby. The front doors were in sight when she heard the voice again.

“Casey?”

Her face went pale when she turned around and saw Tobias several yards away. He smiled softly, but it quickly faltered. Casey turned on her heel and showed Tobias just how fast a girl from Philly can run in discount, designer high heels.

“Son of a…” he cursed under his breath, “I knew Ethan was up to something! Case! Wait, wait… come back here….”

He ran after her to no avail. She was not going to be caught. Ethan’s car was zooming up to the entrance when she stepped outside. He stomped on the brakes and flung the passenger door open.

“Need a ride?” he grinned.

“This is just like a movie!” she smiled.

"Bonnie and Clyde ride again," he laughed.

"Yes! Now, hit it!”

Ethan slammed his foot on the accelerator, leaving Tobias in the dust. Casey looked out the back window, expecting to see him furious, but instead, he was shaking his head and laughing.

“Well played,” she heard him yell as they made their escape, “well played!”

Casey sunk back into the passenger seat, her mood beginning to shift lower. Played. Despite the victory, that's exactly what she felt right now. Played.

_____

Later that evening, Casey sat at the conference table, wrapping up paperwork for Farrugia’s transfer. She did not lift her head when the door opened.

“Ed Farrugia’s been assigned to the team!” June’s jubilant voice called out. “I’m impressed.”

Casey’s mind returned to the texts she had seen on Tobias’s phone. The hours of work she had put in to push those images aside were washed away in an instant.

“Um, hellooo. Dr. MacTavish? I just told you I’m impressed. I’m never impressed.”

“June, what the hell is your game?”

Her colleague’s demeanor changed in an instant.

“Excuse me?”

“I saw your texts to Tobias while I was at Kenmore today. I don’t know what the hell you two are up to, and I honestly don’t care, but I want no part of it.”

“It’s not what you think, Casey.”

“Really? You may be a behavioral psychologist, June, but I assure you, you have no idea what I am thinking right now.”

“You want to know if I’m sleeping with him?”

Casey met June with an icy stare, believing she was hiding the anger and hurt she was feeling inside. Still, she was sure June read her like a book when she saw the corners of her lips curl ever so slightly.

“Who you or Tobias sleep with is none of my concern. In fact, you should be together, you two deserve each other.”

“Casey, settle down. I'm going to give you some advice, professional woman to professional woman. You appear to be the type who needs a man in your life. Now, I don’t understand that construct, and I certainly don’t encourage it, but if that’s who you are, you need to change your game. If a long-term commitment and a permanent date for family functions is your goal, you'll want to start looking at more suitable choices. Ramsey? Carrick? Sure, they’re both successful, quite easy on the eyes, and I can confirm that at least one of them is quite good in bed… but they’re never going to fulfill those needs. But you’re a bright young woman. I’m sure you already know that.”

“You know,” Casey said with a huff. “I’m beginning to wonder what benefit you bring to our team.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“If that’s your assessment of me, then your psychological degree should be revoked. And, to be clear, my life outside of these walls is none of your concern. Today marks the first and last time I will be used by you for whatever head games you’re playing. Do I make myself clear?”

“I only play games to win, Casey. My loyalty is to me, and today was a win. Farrugia will be here in the morning. That benefits Edenbrook, and that benefits me.” June picked up her things and started toward the office door. “Now, I have plans for this evening. Why don’t you wrap up and go home? Make some plans of your own. After such a long day. I’m sure it would help.”

_____

Casey had the apartment to herself; a box of pizza and a bottle of wine were her only companions, and she didn't like it. She picked both up on the way home, partially a reward for her big win today and partially a salve to soothe her. She was still reeling from what she saw on Tobias’s phone. She stopped herself from calling him several times today. The petty side of her was eager to rub his face in stealing the senator. Plus, she just wanted to let him know that she knew about June. That he wasn’t as clever as he gave himself credit for. He hadn’t gotten over on her. At least, he wasn't any longer.

But then she remembered he had “plans” this evening, just like June. She felt hot tears welling up in her eyes, and she cursed herself for allowing this to hurt. She was really falling for him, and she believed him when he said he felt the same way about her. Now she believed she meant nothing all along. Did June and Tobias lay in bed laughing about it? How naive and love-struck she had been?

She wished Sienna was off tonight. She was the only person she trusted enough to discuss this with, but their schedules were out of whack, and it would be days before they had time alone together. She looked at the coffee table with disgust. The pizza and wine weren't cutting it anymore. She shuffled to the kitchen, returning with a pint of double chocolate chunk ice cream in one hand and a spoon in the other. Now, she had what she needed.

She began settling into a comfortable sugar coma when her phone chirped. Tobias? He had the audacity to....

He wanted to see her? Was he serious? She began to fire off a nasty reply when she had a different thought.

She hung up the phone and raced to her bedroom, gathering her sexiest black dress from the back of her closet, the one with the dangerously high slit that rendered most mere mortals speechless. Then she pulled out the push-up bra she tended to save for very special occasions.

“Tonight is going to be special, all right,” she muttered.

Squatting on the floor, she pulled out her black heels from under her bed. The ones Jackie called her “fuck me pumps.” Once they were all laid out, she headed into the shower with a wry smile on her lips. She would look like perfection tonight if it was the last thing she did, and she definitely succeeded.

Tobias’s face lit up as she sauntered his way. It took all his strength to keep his jaw from hitting the floor. She looked more beautiful than he had ever seen her before, and that was saying a lot. Sure, losing Faruggia sucked, but if that’s what it took to level the playing field so he could have a second chance with Casey, then so be it. He didn’t like the guy much anyway. And, he was shocked to admit it, but he'd lose a dozen top patients for this cause. Anything for a chance to make it right with her. He smiled as he jumped up from his barstool to greet her.

“Casey!” He leaned in and kissed her cheek, “you look… wow… you are simply stunning.”

“I am, aren’t I?”

“There’s no denying it.”

“Wow,” she said, pulling out her phone, “that means something coming from you. Because I’m sure when you see this, you’re going to be doing a whole lot of denying.”

Tobias’s face fell in confusion.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“How did you end up free this evening, Tobias? Did your other plans fall through?"

“You’re my plans tonight, Casey.”

“Really?”

“I’m not sure what you're….”

Casey handed him her phone. Showing him the snapshot she managed to take of June’s three text notifications before she left the senator’s room.

“It’s funny,” she said, as his eyes went wide, “the irony of you leaving your phone behind just before I arrived.”

“Casey, this isn’t what it looks like….”

“So it's not June making plans for your special evening together? Then again, she is the one who told me about Farrigua being there. Did you tell her that? Whisper it to her along with other sweet nothings? Now, I figured she’d be making you feel all better since it was so easy for me to steal the senator from you. I guess your medical rep isn't as good as you think.”

“Casey,” he interjected firmly, “I did not have plans with June tonight. I haven’t had plans with June now since….”

“Save it, Carrick! How stupid do you think I am?”

“I don’t think you’re stupid at all," he exasperated. "Look, June text me. She wanted to get together, but I declined. I mean, I’m here with you, right? I told you she was just a fling, she's not....”

“Yes, I know what you told me. But you didn’t tell me that you were fucking her when you were convincing me how special I was.”

“Because I wasn’t! I didn’t! I mean, I called things off with June the day after you and I had lunch at the deli. I didn’t have to, we weren’t official. I didn’t even know where we’d end up, but I called it off because I wanted to see what we could be, and I didn’t want anyone clouding that. I’ve never done that before, Casey. I didn’t know where we’d go, but I swear that’s what I did because I knew we had….”

“Spare me.”

“Casey, I texted her back, and I told her we were done. That I had no desire to see her again. I haven’t seen her since….”

“OK, show me.”

“I… I deleted the messages.”

“How convenient.”

“No, I always delete unnecessary messages. Come on, Casey. If I wanted to be with June, wouldn’t I be with her right now?”

“Well, I’m here to tell you that I don’t care if you want to be with June or with anyone else, for that matter. From what I've heard, you've fucked half of Boston, so you'll be just fine without this notch on your belt. The only thing I’m grateful for is every interruption we had because I’m angry enough at myself for not listening to those who tried to warn me about you. Thank God I never actually slept with you. I told you to give me space, now I’m telling you any chance we had, it’s over. Don’t ever contact me again.”

She jumped up from the table, but not before he made one final plea.

“Casey, you can’t do this. You’re basing this on a misunderstanding.”

“I can, I am, and I will. Goodbye, Tobias, find someone else to screw over.”

And with that, Casey found herself outside in the frosty Boston air. As self-assured as she was inside, she started to unravel once she was alone. She had to get out of there. She slipped into a waiting cab, anxious to get back home.

But Tobias didn't follow. Not because he didn’t want to but because he knew he had given her more than enough reasons to doubt him. Why should she believe him now? His well-deserved reputation preceded him, and she chose to ignore it. She saw the person he was when he was with her and gave him a chance, and he squandered it. He should have gone home. He should have called Kerry or Sasha for advice. But instead, he left the table and made his way to the bar.

“What can I get you?” The bartender smiled.

“Whisky. Straight. And keep them coming until I don't have the ability to tell you to stop.”

____

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